Migraine, headache, and cluster diseases affect more than 38 million Americans. To increase understanding and empathy for those with these disorders, U.S. Pain Foundation and CHAMP (the Coalition For Headache And Migraine Patients) need your help during National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM). The theme this year is #SowingtheSeeds.
MHAM began June 1, so jump in as soon as you can! You can get involved in the following ways:
Change your profile picture. Follow this link to add a frame to your Facebook profile picture.
Join an event. Check out the June calendar to discover events near you, including Miles for Migraine events, Twitter chats, webinars, social media challenges! U.S. Pain is hosting two special online events:
- A Facebook Live on June 19 at 2 pm EST: “Overcoming a brain in pain: Advice from migraine strategist Lindsay Weitzel, PhD.” Dr. Weitzel is a migraine strategist, medical writer, and has lived with migraine disease for decades.
- A webinar on June 13 at 7 pm EST: “What migraine doctors and patients can learn from one another: A conversation with Abby Chua, DO, and Katie Golden.” Dr. Chua is a headache specialist at Hartford HealthCare. She brings a powerful level of compassion to her profession–Dr. Chua lives with migraine disease herself. Katie Golden, a well-known figure in the migraine community, is U.S. Pain Foundation’s Migraine Advocacy Liaison and lives with chronic migraine.
Request a proclamation! CHAMP and U.S. Pain are partnering to help volunteers obtain proclamations. To submit a request for a ceremonial proclamation from your state or local representatives, visit the official MHAM webpage and download your proclamations kit. For questions, email us. Please note that proclamations can take time, so put in your request now!
Distribute copies of the INvisible Project: Migraine 3rd edition. Distribute copies of the INvisible Project: Migraine 3rd edition. Sharing patient stories is a great way to raise awareness during MHAM. Our newest edition is ready and waiting to be handed out in your community (feel free to share with friends or bring a few to your doctor’s appointment)! Request copies by emailing us.
Join in on one of six recognition days.There will be six special recognition days throughout the month of June. One example is Migraine Solidarity Day, held on June 21. Wear your sunglasses and post a photo on social media with the hashtag #ShadesForMigraine to help create awareness in a fun way! Check the official MHAM website for more details on all events.
Help us Shine a Light. Shine a Light is a simple and fun way to unite migraine, headache, and cluster patients and create awareness. To request a government, historic, or private venue to light up in purple for a day, a week, or even the whole month of June, visit the official MHAM website or send an email. Be sure to send in photos so we can share your hard work!
With your help, we can create change for people with migraine and headache disease–and honor and acknowledge the millions impacted each day.