Did you know that during the week of April 21-27 we celebrate National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW)?
RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association has branded this year’s theme as #InfertilityUncovered. The week is designed to bring millions of Americans together to remove the obstacles to building a family. We want you to participate with us! That’s why we have put together a list of 9 different ways you can get involved this week.
1. Wear Orange
Orange has symbolized fertility since ancient times and is the infertility awareness color. When you wear it, you are showing support to your friends, family, and those in the infertility community.
2. Post on Social Media
Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest are great social media platforms that can help educate, spread support, and make others aware of issues concerning infertility.
You can post your own picture, an official NIAW picture, or even create your own meme! Just be sure to use the hashtasg #InfertilityUncovered, #NAIW, and #NationalInfertilityAwarenessWeek and feel free to tag us @smppharmacy
If you don’t know what to caption, try these examples:
#InfertilityUncovered means to me…
Infertility affects millions of people, it’s time to come together #NIAW
3. Attend an Awareness Walks
A “Walk of Hope” is a fundraising event where hundreds of people and businesses gather to walk one mile for infertility awareness. You can walk in an event that is already set up or you can create your own.
4. Participate in Local RESOLVE Events
There are many events nationwide that are available for you to participate in. They cover topics such as preserving eggs, “What to Expect When You Aren’t Expecting”, “Adoption, Donor & Surrogacy Connect-and Learn Seminar”, etc. Make sure to check out this list of events and attend one!
5. Start a Mini Fundraiser
Instead of asking for a birthday or holiday gift, you can ask family and friends to donate to the National Infertility Association.
You can also ask local restaurants to donate a percentage of their revenue for a night. Many restaurants already have fundraiser programs in place and you can invite your friends to support you.
6. Talk to Your Employer
If your family building options are limited because your employer doesn’t cover fertility treatments in their healthcare plan, speak up! Talking to your employer about getting insurance coverage for IVF might sound scary. But you deserve to be covered.
Bring the following statistics to their attention when you talk to your boss about healthcare coverage.
Benefits of Employers Providing IVF-Covered Insurance to Employees:
Employees are 2.5x less likely to miss time from work due to infertility.
Employees are 1.5x more likely to recommend their workplace as a great place to work and feel their employer cares about their well-being.
Employees are 2.5x more likely to believe their employer listens to their needs.
Employees are 2x more likely to believe their employer is family-friendly.
7. Write a Letter to Lawmakers
Family building should not be a partisan issue. So write a letter to your state’s lawmakers urging them to invest and protect in the families that they represent.
RESOLVE’s Advocacy Day for 2019 is May 15-16. They are partnering with American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) to lobby in Washington D.C. RESOLVE holds this annual event so you have a chance to make your voice heard.
8. Share Your Story
Sharing your infertility journey with other is a great way to spread awareness to others that have never experienced it. Sharing gives you a voice to express your concerns and be heard. It can connect you to the community and provide support to others. Read more stories about the infertility journey here.
9. Learn More About Infertility
Don’t be afraid to reach out to us! Our pharmacy specialists at SMP Pharmacy are here to answer your questions about fertility, medications, ART, and more.
Those are 9 ways you can get involved during National Infertility Awareness Week, which one of those will you be doing?
