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Join us this National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness Month to spread awareness, share stories, and support those affected by these conditions.
Get ready to spread awareness and promote prevention for cleft and craniofacial conditions this month, as July marks National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month! This observance was first established in 1989 by Ameriface, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals with facial differences. It aims to educate the public about these conditions and provide resources for those affected by them. This is a great opportunity to learn more about cleft lips, palates, and other craniofacial abnormalities, show support for those living with them, and work towards prevention efforts.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1800s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Cleft Treatments</div><div class='timeline-text'>The surgical repair of clefts started becoming more prevalent in the 19th century with advancements in medical knowledge and techniques.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1931</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Craniofacial Center</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first craniofacial center was established at Johns Hopkins Hospital, providing essential support for those affected by craniofacial conditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1969</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Birth of AmeriFace</div><div class='timeline-text'>AmeriFace, originally known as AboutFace USA, was founded to support individuals with facial differences.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1989</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Awareness Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month was first established by AmeriFace to spread awareness and provide resources.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Smile Train Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Smile Train, an international charity providing corrective surgery for children with cleft lips and palates, was founded for global impact.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Spread awareness on social media</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your social media platforms to educate others about cleft and craniofacial conditions. Share facts, personal stories, and resources to help raise awareness and spread knowledge.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraising event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a fundraiser to benefit organizations that support cleft and craniofacial research, treatment, and advocacy. This could be a bake sale, charity walk/run, or any other creative event.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local hospital or clinic</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend some time volunteering at a hospital or clinic that specializes in treating cleft and craniofacial conditions. You can offer support to patients and their families, or assist medical staff with tasks.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a documentary screening</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Host a screening of a documentary or film that sheds light on the experiences of individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions. This can spark important discussions and raise awareness.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write to your local representatives</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Use your voice to advocate for policies and programs that support individuals with cleft and craniofacial conditions. Write letters to your local representatives urging them to take action.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness for cleft and craniofacial conditions </h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month brings attention to the prevalence of these conditions and the impact they have on individuals and families. By educating the public, we can work towards reducing stigma and increasing understanding.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes prevention efforts</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This month also highlights the importance of prenatal care and proper prenatal screening to identify potential cleft and craniofacial conditions early on. By promoting prevention efforts, we can help reduce the number of babies born with these conditions.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It celebrates the strength and resilience of those affected</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month also serves as a time to celebrate individuals who are living with these conditions. It recognizes their journey, their strength, and their unique beauty. By showing support and solidarity, we can help boost their confidence and self-esteem.</p></div></div>
National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month is celebrated on July 1 every year. In 2024, it will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jul 1
Saturday
2024
Jul 1
Monday
2025
Jul 1
Tuesday
2026
Jul 1
Wednesday
2027
Jul 1
Thursday
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