Awareness
May as Celiac Awareness Month
By Beth Hillson, President, American Celiac Disease Alliance
In response to the question about May as Celiac Awareness month — the overwhelming majority of celiac organizations and all of the Celiac Research Centers in the United States recognize May as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
Internationally, the Association of European Coeliac Societies recognizes Celiac Disease in May and celiac events are held throughout the world to raise awareness.
(The association represents 26 countries of the EU - including Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and UK)
The May observance in the United States was chosen to coincide with our international colleagues. It was also done in recognition of the many other medical conditions related to celiac disease that are observed in May. Celiac disease is still relatively unknown and being able to draw connections between these medical conditions and celiac disease helps to elevate its importance and enhance awareness. Some of the other May health observances include:
- Digestive Diseases Awareness Month
- Digestive Diseases Week
- Food Allergy Awareness Month
- Food Allergy Week
- National Arthritis Month
- National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
- Women’s Health Week and Women’s Health Check-up day
Organizations, Research Centers, and Companies supporting the May observance:
- Celiac Disease Foundation
- Gluten Intolerance Group
- Westchester Celiac Sprue Support Group
- American Celiac Disease Alliance
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
- University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research
- University of Chicago Celiac Disease Program
- Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
- Wm. K. Warren Celiac Disease Research Center UC San Diego
- Bob & Ruth’s Gluten-Free Dining & Travel Club
- Ener-G Foods, Inc.
- Enjoy Life BrandsT
- Foods by George
- Gluten-Free Living
- GlutenFree PassportR
- Glutino-USA
- Kimball Genetics
- Living Without
- Pamela’s Products
- Prometheus Laboratories, Inc.
- Savory Palate, Inc.
It’s worth noting that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is extremely difficult for any condition, to compete for attention at that time. And since recognition and attention are key to raising awareness, May is a better fit.
Congresswoman Nita Lowey (NY) introduced legislation in 2004, 2006, and again, this year (H.Con.Res. 70) which emphasizes the designation of May as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month. That legislation now has 29 cosponsors and more are expected once Congress returns later this month. I hope this helps clarify why May is supported and endorsed as National Celiac Disease Awareness Month.
Beth Hillson
President
American Celiac Disease Alliance
Email: info@americanceliac.org
Website: www.americanceliac.org
American Celiac Disease Alliance is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization
(posted January 9th, 2008)
