Shared Horizons Celebrates August: A Month of Awareness, Advocacy, and Hope
- Shared Horizons, Inc.
- Aug 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 18
At Shared Horizons, we honor our mission of supporting people with complex needs by raising awareness and fostering community for those affected by life‑impacting conditions. August presents a unique opportunity to spotlight not one—but two—significant causes: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month and Psoriasis Awareness Month.
Spotlight on SMA Awareness Month
August is officially recognized as Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month, a national and global call to raise visibility and support for those affected by this rare neuromuscular condition. SMA is a genetic disorder that impairs motor neurons, leading to progressive muscle weakness and, in severe cases, respiratory and motor function challenges.
This year, communities across the nation are coming together—through education, advocacy, storytelling, and fundraising—to bring momentum to improved care and stronger research. Notably, Michigan’s Governor proclaimed August 2025 as SMA Awareness Month, acknowledging both the urgent need for research and the importance of supporting affected families.
How Shared Horizons is joining the cause:
Raise awareness: We’re sharing credible resources on SMA symptoms, treatment options, and carrier awareness—tools that empower families, medical professionals, and educators alike.
Uplift stories: Through heartfelt narratives—either from the SMA community or our network—we’ll center voices that reflect lived experiences, resilience, and hope.
Encourage action: Whether it’s promoting trusted organizations like Cure SMA (which offers fundraising, social‑media toolkits, and awareness campaigns) or pointing people toward advocacy channels, Shared Horizons supports involvement on all levels.
Bringing Light to Psoriasis Awareness Month
Simultaneously, August marks Psoriasis Awareness Month—a dedicated time to uplift the nearly 8 million Americans and 125 million people globally living with this chronic, autoimmune skin condition.
Living with psoriasis often extends beyond visible skin symptoms; many face mental health concerns, social stigma, and serious comorbidities like cardiovascular issues or diabetes. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) leads efforts in education, funding research, advocating for policy improvements, and providing support networks for both patients and clinicians.
How we at Shared Horizons will contribute:
Educate: We’ll offer clear information about psoriasis—its types, triggers, and the holistic approach to “Total Wellness”—so people feel seen, understood, and supported.
Amplify resources: Through links to NPF’s care tools, storytelling platforms (like #ThisIsPsoriasis on social media), and peer support programs, we’ll help our audience access community and professional guidance.
Promote self‑advocacy: People living with psoriasis will find encouragement to share their stories, join forums, and advocate for greater research and better care.
As we move through August, Shared Horizons invites you to stand alongside us in honoring both Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month and Psoriasis Awareness Month. Let’s light up awareness, nurture community, and champion access—not only in Washington, D.C., but beyond.
Together, we build strength in understanding and support.
Citations
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Overview
Cure SMA – What is SMA?
SMA Awareness Month Campaign Resources
Cure SMA – SMA Awareness Month Toolkit
Michigan Proclamation for SMA Awareness Month (August 2025)
State of Michigan – Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Psoriasis Awareness Month (also called Psoriasis Action Month)
National Psoriasis Foundation – Psoriasis Action Month
Psoriasis Prevalence Data
National Psoriasis Foundation – About Psoriasis
Global Psoriasis Impact Statistics
International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA)
Comorbidities and Mental Health in Psoriasis
National Psoriasis Foundation – Psoriatic Disease & Mental Health
#ThisIsPsoriasis Campaign and Storytelling
National Psoriasis Foundation
Symbols of Awareness (SMA & Psoriasis Colors)
SMA – Purple Awareness Symbol
https://www.curesma.org/sma-awareness-month/
Psoriasis – Orange Awareness Symbol (Less common, but used in many awareness ribbons)