<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

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. 

Its 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 

 <mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]

 <http://www.americanceliac.org/> www.americanceliac.org

 

The American Celiac Disease Alliance is a recognized 501 (c) (3) non-profit
organization


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