ASMP Lights 55 Landmarks and Homes on World Meningitis Day

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October 5 is World Meningitis Day. To mark the occasion, the American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP) organized the lighting of 55 landmarks and homes across 37 different states in the US.¹ This is part of a campaign aimed at educating parents on the importance of vaccinating against the disease.

According to a press release from the ASMP, 2023 saw the highest number of meningococcal meningitis cases since 2014.

In a press release, ASMP co-founder Patti Wukovits, BSN, RN, AMB-BC, said, “As a nurse and a mother who lost her 17-year-old daughter to meningococcal meningitis, it's important to know that there is not only one meningitis vaccine. I encourage all parents to be proactive and ask their healthcare provider if their child is fully vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis,"

ASMP co-founder Alicia Stillman, MBA, MPH, also said, “Meningitis is unpredictable–that's why it's so important to get protected. I lost my 19-year-old daughter 36 hours after her symptoms started. Collaboration is key to preventing this devastating disease. It's critical that we work together–families, healthcare providers, policy makers and communities–to protect our loved ones. My daughter's life, and Patti's daughter's life, were tragically cut short by this disease, and we're determined to prevent others from experiencing the same heartbreak."

The ASMP launched in March of this year with the goal of promoting action against the disease.² Its founders, Patti Wukovits and Alicia Stillman, both lost daughters to disease.

In a press release issued at the time, Wukovits, who also serves as co-executive director, said, “Meningitis prevention education is more important in the U.S. today than ever. Over the past year, there have been outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis in Texas, Virginia and Florida. As a mother and nurse, I don't want any other families to experience what Alicia and I went through. That is why we felt it was critical to launch a national organization dedicated to this cause."

In the same press release, Stillman added, “While comprehensive meningococcal meningitis prevention against all five serogroups has always been our focus, we felt it was important for our name to reflect that. Our mission remains the same, but our plan to get there will expand through ASMP. We will continue to emphasize education, but we will also expand our focus to address policy and vaccine equity, as well as building a strong network of advocates across the country."

Other groups also marked the importance of World Meningitis Day. Meningitis Awareness organized survivors, advocates, and HCPs to raise awareness of the deadly disease.³

In a press release, The JAMIE Group founder Patsy Schanbaum said, “Meningitis can affect anyone, and it can have a far-reaching impact on individuals, families and communities. I'm so grateful that Jamie is still here and doing well, but our lives are changed because of meningitis. And many families must carry the painful grief of losing their child because of meningitis. Awareness can save lives, so to mark World Meningitis Day, it's important to recognize the symptoms and ensure you and your family are up to date on all recommended vaccines. Prevention is power."

Sources

1. American Society for Meningitis Prevention Lights Up Locations in 37 States for World Meningitis Day. American Society for Meningitis Prevention. October 4, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-society-for-meningitis-prevention-lights-up-locations-in-37-states-for-world-meningitis-day-302267392.html
2. The American Society for Meningitis Prevention (ASMP) Launches to Address Growing Need for Meningitis Prevention Education in the United States. American Society for Meningitis Prevention. March 7, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-american-society-for-meningitis-prevention-asmp-launches-to-address-growing-need-for-meningitis-prevention-education-in-the-united-states-302082119.html
3. Parents and Advocates Nationwide Unite to Mark 15th World Meningitis Day and Raise Awareness. Meningitis Awareness. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 4, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/parents-and-advocates-nationwide-unite-to-mark-15th-world-meningitis-day-and-raise-awareness-302262912.html