ALS Awareness Month

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).

ALS Awareness Month
Date(s)	Canada: June (annually)[1] United States: May (annually)[2]
Years active	Canada: 34 United States: 33
Inaugurated	Canada: 1990[3] United States: 1992[2]

Canada

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]

United States

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]

Advocacy

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.

Postage stamp

In 2008, the ALS Association created a commemorative U.S. postage stamp to promote ALS Awareness Month through Zazzle.^[7]

Individual states

Georgia

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]

Massachusetts

In 2016, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker declared May to be ALS Awareness Month in the state.^[12]

Minnesota

In 2012, 2013, and 2014, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared May to ALS Awareness Month in the state.^[13][14][15]

North Dakota

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]

Ohio

On January 13, 2012, the 129th General Assembly of Ohio designated the month of May as ALS Awareness Month for the state.^[18]