ALS Awareness Month is a campaign to spread awareness of and raise funds for research for a cure for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
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In Canada, June has been declared as ALS Awareness Month by the Canadian Minister of Health.[1] In 2015, it was recognized by the House of Commons.[4]
In the United States, the campaign is observed every year in the month of May.[5] It is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.[6]
During this month, the ALS Association sponsors the National ALS Advocacy Day and Public Policy Conference and leads a delegation of people with ALS, their caregivers and other advocates to Capitol Hill to urge legislators to support measures to help find treatments and a cure.[citation needed] Other organizations, including the ALS Therapy Development Institute and the Les Turner ALS Foundation have their own initiatives.
In 2008, the ALS Association created a commemorative U.S. postage stamp to promote ALS Awareness Month through Zazzle.[7]
In 2003, Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue declared May to be ALS Awareness Month in the state.[8] He repeated this action in 2011. In addition, Governor Nathan Deal in 2012, 2013,[9] and 2014.[10] In 2016, Governor Deal declared January 26 to be ALS Awareness Day in Georgia.[11]
In 2016, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker declared May to be ALS Awareness Month in the state.[12]
In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared May to ALS Awareness Month in the state.[13][14][15]
In both May 2014 and May 2016, the Governor of North Dakota issued proclamations declaring May to be ALS Awareness Month in the state.[16][17]
On January 13, 2012, the 129th General AssemblyofOhio designated the month of May as ALS Awareness Month for the state.[18]