Join Us in Raising Awareness for These Causes This September

09/01/2020

By Deasia Lamar, Communications Intern 

Patient advocacy groups continue to work tirelessly to educate, promote, advocate, and raise awareness and funding for their causes. During this difficult time for nonprofits, it is a necessity to prioritize patient advocacy in order to help spread awareness for their causes on behalf of people with chronic diseases and disabilities. Here’s how you can help advance these groups’ missions and spread awareness. 

Childhood, Ovarian, Gynecological, and Blood Cancer Awareness Months 

 Join the American Cancer Society as it recognizes September as Childhood Cancer, Ovarian Cancer, Gynecological Cancer, and Blood Cancer Awareness Month. The American Cancer Society is dedicated to conducting research, sharing expert information, supporting patients, and spreading the word about cancer prevention through its extensive resources, partnerships and programs. Visit www.cancer.org to stay up to date with the American Cancer Society Awareness Calendar. 

Ways to get involved:  

  • Learn more about Childhood Cancer Awareness Month here 
  • Learn more about Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month here 
  • Learn more about Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month here 
  • Learn more about Blood Cancer Awareness Month here 

National Suicide Prevention Week (September 6- 12, 2020)   

During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to protect mental health and cope with uncertainty. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention observes the week of September 6, 2020 through September 12, 2020 as National Suicide Prevention Week. During this week, the AFSP is hosting a week of virtual events to help mental health advocates take steps to prevent suicide.  

Ways to get involved: 

Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month  

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, primary orthostatic tremor is characterized as a rapid tremor in the legs that occurs when standing. Primary orthostatic tremor can have a significant impact on the quality of life for those affected. September is Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month. September is used to raise awareness for the impacts of primary orthostatic tremor and for possible treatments and therapies for those affected. Join the National Organization for Rare Disorders in learning more and advocating for those with primary orthostatic tremor this September.  

Ways to get involved: 

  • Learn more about primary orthostatic tremor here 
  • Visit www.rareconnect.org to connect with other community members affected by this rare disorder 
  • Stay informed about current primary orthostatic tremor clinical trials at www.clinicaltrials.gov  

 National Prostate Awareness Month  

Join NHC member Zero– The End of Prostate Cancer in observing September as National Prostate Awareness Month. According to Zero- The End of Prostate Cancer, prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer is treatable with early detection, making prostate cancer awareness vital for the prevention of serious complications in the later stages of cancer. Zero is dedicated to the prevention, detection, and treatment of prostate cancer through its advocacy programs, prostate cancer resources, and support systems.  

Ways to get involved: 

National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month 

September is National Atrial Fibrillation (AFib) Awareness Month. Atrial Fibrillation is an irregular heartbeat or a condition in which the heart muscles fail to contract in a strong, rhythmic way. At least 2.7 million Americans are living with Atrial Fibrillation. Atrial Fibrillation can happen to anyone, and during this state a person is at a five times greater risk for stroke. The American Heart Association uses the month of September to raise awareness around Atrial Fibrillation to decrease the risk of complications that are commonly associated with AFib. Visit the American Heart Association AFib Awareness page to help bring awareness to this important cause. 

Ways to get involved:  

Awareness Days: 

  • September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day 
  • September 13 – National Celiac Disease Awareness Day 
  • September 18 – National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day 
  • September 24 – National FH Awareness Day 
  • September 29 – World Heart Day