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- Health
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- AwarenessDiseases
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- United States
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- Every July
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Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month takes place every July, shining a vital spotlight on the chronic condition that affects millions of children and teens worldwide. Join the Arthritis Foundation in advocating for early diagnosis, funding research, and supporting families impacted by juvenile arthritis. Educate yourself and share resources to make a difference.
Want to sponsor Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month? Learn how
History of Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Even though the name ‘arthritis’ itself relates to the joints — it means ‘joint inflammation’ in Latin — juvenile arthritis can affect the eyes, skin, and the gastrointestinal tract.
The term was first described in the 18th century by pediatrician Frederick Still. Acceptance for this illness took much longer, however, and it was only until a century later that a specialized center for juvenile rheumatism was established in Berkshire. The center’s original purpose was to treat people afflicted with rheumatic fever, which was prevalent in the years following the Second World War. As hygiene and nutrition improved, this disease declined. Soon, the center turned its attention towards children and juvenile arthritis, which was known as Still’s Disease back then. Dr. Barbara Ansell from the center was one of the first to recognize that the development of the disease, its progression, and response to treatment were different for different people. This unit operated for 39 years and has greatly contributed to the causes and outcomes of juvenile arthritis treatment we see today.
Over the next century, such centers were established in Germany, too, but recognition from major organizations like the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) and the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) occurred later in the 19th century. The fact that this is a relatively rare illness, fewer physicians specialize in it, and pharmaceutical companies largely target adult markets means that therapeutic advancements in juvenile arthritis have been historically slow. The treatment gradually shifted from physical — physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, splinting, and surgery — to a drug-based regimen. Recent American history shows the Food and Drug Administration has supported many incentives to drive U.S. pharmaceutical agencies to include children, too, like their Best Pharmaceuticals for Children Act (BPCA) and Pediatric Research Equity Act (PREA).
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month timeline
Pediatrician Frederick Still, who works at Great Ormond Street Hospital in England, first describes this condition.
The Canadian Red Cross Memorial Hospital is founded in Taplow, Berkshire, for the study of juvenile rheumatism.
Organizations like the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) and the International League Against Rheumatism (ILAR) recognize that juvenile arthritis needs to be studied and treated properly.
Joint replacements in the hands and wrists are introduced to treat this illness.
The American Rheumatism Association (ARA) hosts the first Council on Pediatric Rheumatology at a time when there are fewer than 30 pediatric rheumatologists in the U.S.
Additional centers focused on juvenile arthritis are established.
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month FAQs
When is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month?
Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month runs throughout July 2026. This annual observance is a dedicated period to raise public understanding of juvenile arthritis and its impact on children.
How many children are affected by juvenile arthritis?
Approximately 300,000 children and teens in the United States are affected by some form of juvenile arthritis. It is one of the most common chronic diseases in children.
What is the economic impact of juvenile arthritis?
The economic burden of juvenile arthritis includes direct medical costs, medication expenses, and indirect costs like lost parental work productivity. These costs can be substantial for affected families and healthcare systems.
What are the common symptoms of juvenile arthritis?
Common symptoms of juvenile arthritis include persistent joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially in the morning or after naps. Children may also experience fatigue, fever, or a rash.
How To Observe Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Read (and learn) about juvenile arthritis
Learn more about juvenile arthritis, the types of arthritis that affect children, what are the common treatments available, and what you can do to support this cause and this month. You can get more information on the Arthritis Foundation website, which provides resources for parents, kids, and teens to manage medication, activity, and eating habits.
Raise awareness
The key to a successful cause is awareness. Go online with your story and share what you have learned about Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Encourage others to observe this month, too. If you don't prefer social media for sharing your thoughts, make sure at least one other person knows about juvenile arthritis.
Host a community event
All through this month, the Arthritis Foundation runs conferences and camps for parents and children. You can talk to your community leaders about hosting similar events at the local pediatric facilities, taking inspiration from the above-mentioned website. Invite guest speakers or talk to those willing to share their fight with juvenile arthritis.
5 Interesting Facts About Juvenile Arthritis
Types of arthritis for different age groups
Certain types of arthritis rarely affect adults and only occur in children — the reverse is also true.
It is a chronic condition
Juvenile arthritis can last for months, years, or a lifetime.
Treatment can have good results
Juvenile arthritis can be controlled by medications, among other treatments, and children can go into remission, which can last for months, years, or even a lifetime.
Genes might determine risk
The siblings and first cousins of children with this illness are at an increased risk of developing juvenile arthritis, as studies done at the University of Utah indicated.
Arthritis (juvenile and adult) commands funds
Since 1970, more than 250 scientists have been funded, and from 2018 to 2019, the U.S. funded $1.6 million towards arthritis research, the CDC reports.
We’re learning more about this disease
We’re learning more about this disease
The more we learn about this disease, the bigger the impact we can create. Knowing that such an illness is possible, reading about it, and sharing this knowledge with our community can go a long way. Plus, since juvenile arthritis often goes undiagnosed or is misdiagnosed, understanding this disease means there is a lower chance of mistaking the symptoms for something else in case someone we know is affected by it.
A chance to do something about it
Volunteering, participating in trials, and even simply sharing information with others — there is a whole host of ways we can use our knowledge for good. This can make the future a little bit brighter for those affected by juvenile arthritis.
Build a support system for patients
Learning about juvenile arthritis helps us understand this disease and how it affects children more. We believe our increased awareness can spread to at least one other person we know, and from them to another person, and so on. Gradually, with each person, a sort of network of knowledgeable people who know how to assist children with arthritis and who can share resources will begin to develop.
