National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week is the last week of January. American Heart Month is February.

And October is the sentinel month for people with achondroplasia aka dwarfism. October is National Dwarfism Awareness Month, according to a website hosted by advocacy organization Little People of America.

LPA began in 1957, with actor Billy Barty and 20 friends. Today, the organization has more than 6500 members across the United States who are actively involved in education, community outreach, and support of the achondroplasia community. The LPA group is very busy throughout the year but focuses a great deal of attention on certain issues each year during October.

This October, LPA is all about raising awareness about dwarfism, addressing common misunderstandings, and increasing opportunities for people with dwarfism. A number of states have already passed resolutions calling for the official acknowledgment of National Dwarfism Awareness Month.

October 25, 2017, marks the fifth anniversary of World Dwarfism Awareness Day. It’s a day when little people, their families, and friends from around the world, literally, raise their hands to celebrate the day.

Looking to get involved? Here are a number of ways to be part of this year’s campaign.

1. Schedule an event to help raise awareness of this special month and its significance to little people.
2. Reach out to local media outlets to spread the news about a local LPA chapter or month-long events. LPA has created a downloadable awareness flyer to help you share the news and build the excitement.
3. Contact your local state legislature to get October declared National Dwarfism Awareness Month in your state. A pre-printed, downloadable sample resolution is available to send to your government officials.
4. Show your pride. Purchase a custom-designed T-shirt. The Dwarfism Awareness T-shirts are only available during the month of October and can be ordered here.

To find out more about National Dwarfism Awareness Month and how LPA helps people with dwarfism and their families, click here.

Tell us how you’ll celebrate National Dwarfism Awareness Month. Let us know today.

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