June 15 Declared Migraine and Headache Awareness Day in New Mexico

Las Cruces, N.M. June 15, 2023 – New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed an official proclamation establishing June 15 as Migraine and Headache Awareness Day

Often considered invisible, migraine is a debilitating neurological disease that can affect every body system. While headache is the most recognized symptom, migraine can cause many other disabling symptoms like cognitive impairment, visual disturbances, dizziness, numbness, and nausea.

“This is an acknowledgement that migraine is a prevalent and serious disease,” said Mirabella Macias of Las Cruces. “This proclamation presents some of the truths about migraine and provides the opportunity for New Mexicans to learn more about migraine disease. Knowing the truth shows the reality of migraine.”

Migraine is common, affecting more than 900,000 in New Mexico. It’s the second leading cause of disability worldwide– which causes poor quality of life and significant loss to the U.S. economy through reduced productivity and missed work days.

Shades for Migraine helps raise migraine awareness

As June is Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, efforts like this official proclamation are part of the Shades for Migraine mission to spark conversation about migraine. Shades for Migraine, spearheaded by the non-profit Association of Migraine Disorders, brings better visibility to migraine disease.

Macias, who has lived with migraine for more than 20 years, became a Shades for Migraine Community Leader. She advocated for the official launch of Migraine and Headache Awareness Day in New Mexico.

“It is important to educate others on migraine and share our stories to make the disease more visible to the public," said Macias. “Shades for Migraine is an amazing way to advocate for and bring more attention to the disease I live with.”

The #ShadesForMigraine challenge encourages people to show their support for the 1 billion people worldwide living with migraine disease by posting a picture in sunglasses on June 21st and challenging friends to take part.

“Shades for Migraine gives people a platform to speak out about the true impact of migraine while providing a way to network with and support a community of people living with migraine disease,” said Rick Godley, M.D., President of The Association of Migraine Disorders.

Raising migraine awareness fights stigma

People with migraine often face guilt –having to miss work, social engagements, or time with family due to migraine and its symptoms. Many feel the need to push through pain because of stigma.

Raising awareness and talking about the true impact of migraine helps fight misunderstanding and stigma surrounding the disease. Reduced stigma leads to greater health outcomes and improved quality of life for those living with migraine.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed the proclamation on May 10, 2023.

About Shades for Migraine
Backed by a coalition of 50 international organizations, Shades for Migraine is a social media challenge and awareness campaign that was started by the non-profit Association of Migraine Disorders in 2017. The campaign strives to give people the platform to speak out about the true impact of migraine in an effort to educate others and eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.

###