More than 50 million American adults have been diagnosed with one. To raise awareness about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, gout, and more than 100 forms of rheumatic diseases, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and SimpleTasks.org initiated Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month (RDAM) in 2016. In September 2021 we observe the 6th annual RDAM. RDAM aims to help people better understand what rheumatic diseases are and how they impact the daily lives of people living with them. Additionally, ACR hopes RDAM will increase people’s understanding of the symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, economic impact, and medical and personal challenges of living with rheumatic diseases.
Still’s Disease Awareness Day is September 7.Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week (RAAW) is sponsored by the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society in the United Kingdom. RAAW 2021 is September 13 to September 18.October 12, 2021, is World Arthritis Day.Rheumatoid Awareness Day is held on February 2 each year.May is Arthritis Awareness Month.World Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis Day, or AiArthritis Day, is held annually on May 2. It is sponsored by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis.Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month is held during July.
Visit Rheum4You.org to register and find out more information about the speakers. To spread awareness about the event on social media, use #RDAM2021. Here are some other ways.
Sharing on Social Media
If circumstances don’t allow you to attend a conference or volunteer at a walk or event, social media can be a good avenue to spread awareness about rheumatic disease and connect with others who have the same passion.
The American College of Rheumatology is on Facebook and Twitter.ACR Simple Tasks is on Facebook and Twitter.CreakyJoints is on Facebook, Twitter, and InstagramRheumatology Research Foundation is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Additionally, a simple search on social media channels can connect you with local groups and people in your area.
Get Political
Use your voice to advocate for policies that affect those living with rheumatic disease —it can feel rewarding and also have a big impact and feel. One way to make a difference is to join organizations like Simple Tasks and participate in their advocacy campaigns. If you can’t find anything near you to take part in, calling your senator or congressperson and advocating for health coverage, special accommodations, regulations, and funding is always an option. Grassroots efforts, such as starting petitions on Change.org or Avaaz, is another way to make a mark. If you post your story online, the Rheumatology Research Foundation recommends adding #RheumLife to your post for awareness.
Submit Your Stories
The Rheumatology Research Foundation encourages those living with rheumatic disease to share their story with them. Simple Tasks welcomes your personal story, too.
Offer Tips for Living With Rheumatic Disease
The more you know about your condition, the better, and the more you hear other people’s stories, the less alone you’ll feel. You can also access a glossary of terms on the ACR website. Watch videos of people living with rheumatic disease. CreakyJoints collaborated with rheumatology researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham to launch ArthritisPower, a nonprofit patient-inspired and patient-managed research initiative, to create a way for you to enter your symptoms and take a daily, weekly, or monthly assessment of your condition. This allows doctors to track your condition and provide appropriate treatment, as well as support research on the condition. Access the free phone app at ArthritisPower. You can also access it from your computer. To find clinical trials related to rheumatic disease, search the databases at ClinicalTrials.gov or CenterWatch.
Arthritis FoundationAmerican College of RheumatologyArthritis National Research FoundationJohns Hopkins Arthritis CenterCreakyJointsArthritis National Research Association Blog
If you’re looking for assistance, several organizations and companies offer scholarships for people living with rheumatic disease:
Arthritis Champions ScholarshipAbbVie Immunology ScholarshipRPF Scholarship Program — Rheumatoid Patient Foundation
The Bottom Line
Awareness months like Rheumatic Disease Awareness Month offer a great opportunity to spread the word about rheumatic disease. But resources are available year-round to help those living with rheumatic disease learn about their condition, advocate for their condition, and connect with others living with the same disease.
