Join Us in Raising Awareness for these Causes this October

10/01/2020

By Deasia Lamar, Communications Intern 

Patient advocacy organizations work tirelessly to educate, promote, advocate, and raise awareness and funding for their causes. Awareness months 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. 

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

The American Cancer Society celebrates October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society movement “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” serves to raise awareness and take steps to fight back against breast cancer. This fall, although activities will look different, the American Cancer Society is committed to fundraise and unite survivors, caregivers, and supporters nationally and locally in new, nontraditional ways. 

How to Get Involved: 

Spina Bifida Awareness Month 

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month– a time to celebrate the hundreds of thousands of people living with Spina Bifida. According to the Spina Bifida Association, Spina Bifida is the most common, permanently disabling birth defect that is associated with life, affecting more than 165,000 individuals in the US. During October, the Spina Bifida Association challenges communities to raise awareness and support around those living with Spina Bifida. During this month, the Spina Bifida Association highlights its educational, health, and social resources for those living with Spina Bifida.  

Ways to Get Involved: 

Healthy Lung Month 

Join the American Lung Association in celebrating October as Healthy Lung Month. Lung cancer is the #1 cancer killer of both women and men in the United States, and approximately two-thirds of people diagnosed with lung cancer have never smoked or are former smokers. The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education, and advocacy. During this Month, the American Lung association raises awareness about lung health and safety.  

Ways to Get Involved: 

World Psoriasis Day 

Join the National Psoriasis Foundation in Celebrating Thursday, October 29 as World Psoriasis Day. Psoriasis is a disease with an unclear cause that is characterized by inflammation caused by dysfunction of the immune system. Psoriasis can cause inflammation in the body and affects more than eight million people in the US.  

Ways to Get Involved: 

Mental Illness Awareness Week 

Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) was established in 1990 by the U.S. Congress to educate and increase awareness about mental illness. It takes place every year during the first full week of October. Since then Mental Health America (MHA) and our affiliates across the country have observed Mental Illness Awareness Week every year by reaching millions of people through the media, local events, and online screenings. In contrast to Mental Health Month, which stresses the importance of mental health and wellness for all, Mental Illness Awareness Week is an opportunity to spread awareness about what mental health conditions are and how they affect peoples’ everyday lives.

Ways to Get Involved: 

  • Help spread awareness on social media and use MHA’s toolkit for promotion.
  • Wear green and shine a limelight on mental health! Mental health awareness is represented by the color green. Incorporate green into your wardrobe in October to turn the tide on stigma.
  • Host an awareness or fundraising event! You can build your own online fundraising page here or create a fundraiser on Facebook here to easily collect donations.
  • Volunteer with your local MHA affiliate. Find your local MHA, here.

Additional Awareness Weeks & Days:  

  • National Healthcare Quality Week (Oct. 18–24) 
  •  Respiratory Care Week (Oct. 25-31) 
  • National Health Education Week (Oct. 20-24)