Join Us in Raising Awareness for These Causes in May
05/01/2020
By Theo Smith, Communications Intern
Patient advocacy organizations work tirelessly to educate, promote, advocate, and raise awareness and funding for their causes. Awareness events give us the opportunity to rally around a common objective and show these organizations how much we appreciate their work. Here’s how you can help advance these groups’ missions and spread awareness.
Arthritis Awareness Month
May is nationally recognized as Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a disease that impacts more than 50 million Americans; this means that one in every five adults, 300,00 children and countless families are affected by arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation works to find a cure for arthritis, the number one cause of disability in America. The Foundation champions life-changing resources, science, advocacy, and community connections. They offer patients and family caregivers with information about cutting-edge scientific research, advocacy efforts at the state and federal level, and resources to help daily life.
Ways to get involved:
- Tell your story and read about how millions of people have been affected by arthritis.
- Learn more about the latest news in arthritis scientific discovery.
- Sign up to be an Arthritis Foundation Advocate.
- Make a donation.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Every May, the cystic fibrosis community comes together for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Awareness Month. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is dedicated to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. The Foundation has shareable resources on their website to help patients with CF share their story on social media and get connected to the CF community.
Ways to get involved:
- Add a frame to your Facebook profile picture to help raise awareness.
- Read the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation blog to learn more about CF.
- Share graphics and posts on social media.
Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month
#LetsTalkAboutHD is a social media initiative during Huntington’s Disease Awareness Month in May to encourage families to share their experiences with HD. It can be a video, a photo or a written story.
Support the campaign by posting videos, stories & photos to social media using #LetsTalkAboutHD to educate the world about the devastating impact that HD has on families.
For more info please visit HDSA.org/letstalkabouthd
Lupus Awareness Month
May marks Lupus Awareness Month. During this time, it is important to make lupus visible by raising awareness and educating the public about this disease and raise funds for critical research and support programs. The Lupus Foundation of America has been leading the fight against lupus for the past 40 years. The mission of the Foundation is to improve the quality of life for all people affected by lupus through programs of research, education, support and advocacy.
Ways to get involved:
- Wear purple on May 15 to raise awareness.
- Help raise funds or donate.
- Test your knowledge about lupus by taking this quiz.
Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month. Our members Mental Health America, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and the Trevor Project are all dedicated to providing people with practical tools to improve mental health and increase resiliency. One in five people will experience a mental illness during their lifetime, everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. These organizations reach millions of people across the country through social media, local events, screenings, and more.
Ways to get involved:
- Download and share the 2020 social media toolkit.
- Learn more about mental illness and how to help those in need.
- Find resources for friends and family about how to support someone with mental illness.
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month. Since it is peak season for people with asthma and allergies, it is the perfect time to educate patients, families, friends, co-workers, and others about these diseases. More than 60 million Americans suffer from asthma and allergies. These conditions can be challenging to manage and it is important to spread awareness throughout May.
Ways to get involved:
- Share graphics and information on social media.
- Take a stand for people living with asthma and allergies.
- Find a local awareness event and join the community.
National Celiac Awareness Month
May is Celiac Awareness Month. Organizations like Beyond Celiac and the Celiac Disease Foundation celebrate May with a variety of events and campaigns that spread awareness about this genetic autoimmune disease. These organizations are essential for pushing forward research for treatments and a cure for celiac disease. The theme for this year’s awareness month is Moving Beyond Celiac, in order to educate the public on this disease and remind patients that celiac does not define them.
Ways to get involved:
- Share posts and graphics on social media.
- Learn more about celiac disease by reading the Research News Feed.
- Share your personal celiac story.
Awareness Days:
- World Hand Hygiene Day (May 5)
- National Women’s Health Week (10-16)
- International ME/CFS and Fibromyalgia Awareness Day (May 12)
- Food Allergy Awareness Week (May 12-18)
- International Behcet’s Awareness Day (May 20)
- National Senior Health Awareness Day (May 27)