11 Ways to Get Involved During Epilepsy Awareness Month

Epilepsy Awareness Month is held every November in the United States.

It was officially recognized by Congress in 2003. However, the Epilepsy Foundation had already recognized this important month for many years.

Awareness of epilepsy helps to draw more attention to the difficulties of diagnosis and treatment associated with this disease.

Although there are many possible causes of epilepsy, up to half of cases are idiopathic. This means that the source is unknown and specific to the person. It can also mean that the right treatment is also difficult to find.

Epilepsy Awareness Month provides opportunities to educate yourself and others about this neurological disease. The month also benefits the epilepsy community as a whole.

Here are some ways you can help raise awareness and fund in November and beyond for those affected by this disease.

With epilepsy, a seizure can happen anytime and anywhere.

You can help protect your loved ones and others in your community by joining a seizure first aid program.

You can also learn how to provide first aid for epilepsy through the Epilepsy Foundation. This organization offers free downloadable posters that you can hang in your home, school and workplace.

Donating to a reputable epilepsy organization helps fund new research for treatments.

Despite the prevalence of the disease, funding for epilepsy research and treatment is significantly lower than funding for other common neurological disorders, according to the Cure Epilepsy advocacy group.

During Epilepsy Awareness Month, consider donating to one or more of the following organizations:

If you are interested in volunteering your time, the Epilepsy Foundation and other organizations offer volunteer opportunities locally and online. Click here to find an affiliate in your area and find out how you can help.

Here are some of the ways you can volunteer:

• organization of walks and other fundraisers
• lead educational talks
• providing resources and information to families

Every year in November, you may have the opportunity to participate in epilepsy walks. These are designed to help raise funds and raise awareness, but they also give you the chance to meet others affected by epilepsy.

These walks take place in different parts of the country throughout the year. This can be great news if November is generally cold where you live. Multiple walks during the calendar year can also increase fundraising and awareness opportunities.

To get started, read more on the Walk to End Epilepsy page of The Epilepsy Foundation.

Writing a letter or email to your local, state, and federal officials can help you reach the lawmakers who shape epilepsy policy. The decisions of these legislators may affect treatment and accommodation for epilepsy as well as the funding of epilepsy research.

When writing to a representative, be clear about the purpose of your letter. Consider offering to speak further with your representative to inform them of the current state of epilepsy research and treatment.

Sharing your personal stories about epilepsy can make a big impression on a legislator and help raise awareness of the importance of policy and funding.

Click here to view the official directory of the United States House of Representatives where you can find your district and congressional representative. This site can help you quickly find your representative’s contact information.

Social media plays a major role in raising awareness of many important issues, and your own accounts can help you continue your advocacy efforts for Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Here are some ideas for promoting social media:

• share hashtags, such as #NEAM for National Epilepsy Awareness Month and #EpilepsyEquity
• change your profile picture for the whole month
• write about first aid advice in a crisis or other ways to help people with epilepsy
• sharing links to the next walks, donation pages and reputable organizations for epilepsy
• talk about your personal connection to epilepsy and why the month of November is so important to you

Purple represents epilepsy awareness.

You can show your support by wearing a purple ribbon everyday during the month of November. Wearing a purple ribbon can help spark conversations about Epilepsy Awareness Month and perhaps inspire others to get involved.

You can also buy and wear other epilepsy awareness items, such as t-shirts and jewelry. The proceeds of many of these purchases go to organizations that fund epilepsy research and treatment.

There is currently no cure for epilepsy. It is estimated that 30 to 40 percent of sufferers continue to have seizures while taking medication.

Research and funding for clinical trials are essential to move closer to better treatments with more effective results.

During Epilepsy Awareness Month, consider bookmarking websites or resources from reputable organizations so you have the latest research handy throughout the year.

Here are a few pages to get you started:

Epilepsy is a common brain disorder, with about 1 in 26 adults and children in the United States affected at some point in their lives.

Although epilepsy is not entirely preventable, you may want to consider discussing some of your own risk factors with a doctor, including:

Although November is recognized as Epilepsy Awareness Month, your advocacy efforts don’t need to end after the month is over.

There are other dates throughout the year that are worth putting on your calendar. For example, March 26 is often recognized as Purple Day to support epilepsy awareness. Other recognized events include International Epilepsy Day on the second Monday of each February.

By recognizing other epilepsy awareness events, you can contribute even more to education and fundraising.

November is recognized as National Epilepsy Awareness Month, and there are many opportunities to get involved both in person and virtually. Education and fundraising are essential to help improve the lives of people with epilepsy.

Try one of these 11 ways to get involved and take a powerful first step in your own epilepsy advocacy mission. You can also challenge yourself to involve others and make your own advocacy a year-round mission.