Awareness can serve many purposes, not the least of which is the saving of lives through improving the chances for early diagnosis and timely treatment. Autoimmune disease is finally being recognized as a disease category, but it still needs much more public awareness.

AARDA launched an autoimmune awareness campaign in May. In many ways, members and supporters can help spread awareness during this time.

What has been done?

  The U. S. Senate declared that May 2007 was Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month. Senator Joseph R. Biden (D-DE) sponsored that resolution (S. Res. 116).

  H. Res. 258, to declare the month of May as Autoimmune Diseases Awareness Month, has been introduced in the House by Rep. Steve J. Israel (D-2nd NY). This resolution is currently "in committee."  We are looking for co-sponsors of H. Res. 258. Call your Representative and ask them to sign-on and cosponsor the House resolution.

  We held a rally! AARDA, along with members of the NCAPG,  held an autoimmune awareness rally at "Upper Senate Park" on the grounds of the Capitol in Washington, DC on May 22, 2007.   Many patients, family members, friends, and member-groups attended this rally to bring attention to autoimmune diseases--and the need for increased research funding.

What can you do?

  Contact your local media (newspapers, radio, TV) about the need for more public awareness of autoimmune disease. Since, in most instances, local media are interested only if there is a local connection, you may be asked to share your personal experience with autoimmune disease. In most instances, AARDA can provide physicians and/or researchers for interviews if you are successful in promoting the story.

  Place printed information in libraries, physicians' offices, key business places (e.g., hair salons, exercise facilities, restaurants). Note: Be sure to ask permission first. AARDA is able to supply materials. You may contact AARDA by email aarda@aarda.org or by phone 586-776-3900 to request the number of brochures that you feel you can use.

  A fund raiser can be an effective awareness event since it serves as a reason for calling attention to the organization benefiting from the proceeds. Local newspapers, church bulletins, posters, and invitations to the event all spread awareness. And remember that fund-raising events come in all sizes and shapes!

  Please let the AARDA office know what you do personally to spread awareness--and be sure to share any AARDA-mentioned autoimmune awareness newspaper clippings with us. It will take ALL of us to get the AUTOIMMUNE word out.