June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month
June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about migraine and headache disorders while recognizing the millions of individuals whose daily lives are impacted by these often invisible conditions. According to the American Migraine Foundation, migraine affects more than one billion people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability, yet it remains widely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.
Observed throughout the month of June, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month highlights the physical, emotional, and social challenges experienced by people living with migraine and other headache disorders. This year's theme, "I AM (IN)VISIBLE," emphasizes that while migraine symptoms may not always be visible to others, the experiences and needs of those living with the condition deserve recognition, understanding, and support.
You can take action by:
• Learning about migraine and headache disorders and sharing accurate information with others
• Supporting advocacy, research, and education efforts focused on improving migraine care
• Encouraging open conversations that reduce stigma and increase understanding
• Listening to and amplifying the voices of individuals living with migraine and chronic headache conditions
Key facts to know include: migraine is a neurological disease, symptoms can extend far beyond head pain, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life, and mental health, workplace support, and access to healthcare all play important roles in migraine management.
Together, we can raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, support those affected by migraine and headache disorders, and advocate for better care, research, and understanding.
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia while encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to support lifelong brain health. According to the Alzheimer's Association, millions of people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's disease, making it one of the leading causes of disability and dependence among older adults.
Observed throughout the month of June, Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month highlights the importance of brain health education, early detection, ongoing research, and support for individuals and families affected by dementia. While researchers continue working toward better treatments and a cure, studies show that adopting healthy lifestyle habits may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and support overall brain wellness.
You can take action by:
• Learning about Alzheimer's disease and sharing accurate information with others
• Supporting organizations dedicated to Alzheimer's research, care, and advocacy
• Encouraging conversations about brain health and the importance of early detection
• Wearing purple throughout June to raise awareness and show support for those affected by dementia
Key brain health habits to know include: staying physically active, getting quality sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, challenging your mind through lifelong learning, staying socially connected, and managing chronic health conditions.
Together, we can raise awareness, support groundbreaking research, promote healthy brain habits, and work toward a future without Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
#AlzheimersAndBrainAwarenessMonth #ENDALZ #BrainHealth #AlzheimersAwareness #DementiaAwareness #HealthyAging #HealthAwareness #UMBC
June is National Cancer Survivor Month
June is National Cancer Survivor Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and achievements of cancer survivors while raising awareness about the ongoing challenges many individuals face during and after treatment. Thanks to advancements in cancer research, prevention, early detection, and treatment, there are now more than 18.6 million cancer survivors living in the United States.
Observed throughout the month of June, National Cancer Survivor Month recognizes everyone living with, through, and beyond cancer. While survivorship is a cause for celebration, many survivors continue to experience physical, emotional, financial, and social challenges long after treatment ends. This month highlights the importance of continued research, support services, advocacy, and equitable access to quality healthcare to improve outcomes and quality of life for all cancer survivors.
You can take action by:
• Learning about cancer survivorship and sharing educational resources with others
• Supporting organizations that fund cancer research and patient support programs
• Listening to and amplifying the stories of cancer survivors and their families
• Advocating for policies that improve access to cancer care, treatment, and survivorship resources
Key facts to know include: advances in research have significantly improved survival rates, early detection can improve treatment outcomes, survivorship extends beyond treatment, and ongoing medical, emotional, and community support can play an important role in long-term well-being.
Together, we can celebrate survivors, honor their journeys, support lifesaving research, and work toward a future where everyone affected by cancer has the resources and support they need to thrive.
June is National PTSD Awareness Month, and June 27 is National PTSD Awareness Day
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can affect anyone, but for many veterans, it is a lasting reminder of their service. This month, we honor their experiences and promote awareness, understanding, and support.
At UMBC, the Veterans Integration to Academic Leadership (VITAL) program offers dedicated support to student veterans. A partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, VITAL connects student veterans with VA mental health professionals and essential resources to help them thrive academically and personally.
VITAL can assist with:
- Enrollment in VA healthcare
- Navigating VA and non-VA resources
- Academic accommodations
- Advocacy for student veterans
- Clinical services for challenges such as stress, sleep problems, attention issues, anxiety, depression, and PTSD
In addition, UMBC’s Retriever Integrated Health (RIH) is here to support all students' mental health needs, offering a range of counseling, wellness, and psychiatric services in a safe and inclusive environment.
Support is here. You are not alone.
To learn more or connect with VITAL, visit veterans.umbc.edu
Resources – Veteran and Military Affiliated Services – UMBC
ADA’S 36th Anniversary
ADA turns 36 this year, and here are some facts you should know.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), signed in 1990, was a landmark moment in U.S. civil rights history. It made it illegal to deny someone a job, education, or housing just because of a disability. But the ADA didn’t just happen. It was demanded. Activists crawled up the steps of the U.S. Capitol during the Capitol Crawl to fight for equal rights.
Today, the ADA protects people with both visible and invisible disabilities, like PTSD, ADHD, and diabetes. It also covers far more than physical spaces. Think websites, apps, voice recognition, closed captioning, and screen readers. In fact, in 2022 alone, over 3,000 web accessibility lawsuits were filed under the ADA.
From the U.S. to countries like the U.K., Canada, and Australia, the ADA’s influence is global.
And yes, even Siri owes a thank you to the ADA.
Equal access isn’t extra. It’s essential.
June is Pride Month
June marks National LGBTQ+ Pride Month and offers the nation the opportunity to reflect on the incredible contributions of the LGBTQ+ community. Our nation is at its best when it welcomes, represents and includes people of all backgrounds. This includes people with disabilities and the intersections shared with the LGBTQ+ community. According to a study published in 2012, fully 36 percent of women in the LGBTQ+ community and 30 percent of men in the community also self-identify as people with disabilities. Learn more about the intersection via RespectAbility here, especially with Leah Ilana's essay on the need for safe refuge. More Disabled LBGTQ+ Profiles, in their own voices, are profiled here.
We celebrate with you! You matter! UMBC Resources include:
- UMBC Queer and Trans People of Color (QPOC) oSTEM Group for LGBTQ+ Students working in STEM fields
- Spectra UMBC for LGBTQ+ Mathematicians
- LGBTQ+ FSA - Faculty and Staff group
- The Pride Center is centrally located on the first floor of the UC (and an entrance with better accessibility is in the works
- LGBTQIA+ Resource Page via the Office of Equity and Civil Rights
For question about disability or accessibility at UMBC, undergraduate and graduate students with disabilities connect with Student Disability Services online (link) or via disability@umbc.edu.