Join Us in Raising Awareness for These Causes in August
Join Us in Raising Awareness for These Causes in August
By Theo Smith, Associate, Marketing & Communications
Awareness months allow the opportunity to educate, promote, advocate, and raise funds for different causes. It’s important that the patient community and our allies are aware of these health observances to help increase awareness. Here’s how you can help get involved this month.
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month! Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord, taking away the ability to walk, eat, or breathe. Cure SMA is dedicated to the treatment and cure of spinal muscular atrophy, funding groundbreaking research, and providing families and patients with support. This month, Cure SMA, along with other patient advocacy organizations, works to raise awareness about spinal muscular atrophy and the ways it impacts the lives of those living with the disease and their families.
Ways to Get Involved:
- Share your story on the Cure SMA Community Spotlight.
- Download and share Cure SMA “fact graphics” on social media.
- Become a Cure SMA advocate to get the latest news and information about SMA action.
Psoriasis Awareness Month
Psoriasis affects almost eight million Americans every year. Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease that causes raised, red, scaly patches to appear on the skin. Psoriasis is often associated with other, serious health conditions including diabetes, heart disease, and depression. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) observes Psoriasis Awareness Month in August to help raise awareness and drive efforts to cure psoriasis and psoriatic diseases. NPF is the leading patient advocacy group for the millions of Americans with psoriasis and is dedicated to helping those with psoriasis manage their symptoms.
Ways to get involved:
- Take the NPF’s interactive quiz to test your knowledge of psoriasis.
- Find a support group in your area by joining NPF Peer Connections.
- Read NPF’s blog on the history of Psoriasis Awareness Month.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
In 2017, Prevent Blindness declared August as Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month. Prevent Blindness is dedicated to emphasizing the importance of children’s eye safety. As kids head back to school this year, Prevent Blindness reminds parents and families that eye health and safety are essential to the health and safety of every child. According to a recent study by Prevent Blindness, vision has been found as a critical factor in determining children’s physical, cognitive, and social development, and visual functioning is a strong predictor of academic performance in school-age children. This month’s awareness campaign focuses on preventing eye injuries, signs of possible eye problems, general visual health facts, and the importance of early detection.
Ways to get involved:
- Visit the Prevent Blindness Parent Portal to find out more about your child’s vision.
- Watch the Focus On Eye Health: Expert Series to learn more about eye health and safety.
- Register for the 2021 Prevent Blindness Person of Vision Expo.
- Check out this list of resources for parents, caregivers, and health care professionals.
National Immunization Awareness Month
August is National Immunization Awareness Month! National Immunization Awareness Month is annually observed by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and gives us the opportunity to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. This is especially important as we continue to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. For health care professionals, parents, family caregivers, and patients, the CDC has created resources and guides to ensure
Ways to get involved:
- View the CDC’s interactive vaccine guide to learn more.
- Are you a health care professional looking for more resources? Find them here.
- Watch the #HowIRecommend vaccination video series.
