Governor Andy Beshear has officially declared April to be Sarcoidosis Awareness Month in Kentucky.
Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects patients most commonly in the lungs but also in their heart, joints, nervous system, eyes, and more. A relatively rare disease, patients with sarcoidosis often struggle with timely diagnosis and access to expertise care. The University of Kentucky has a multi-disciplinary sarcoidosis program – the only one in the state – that allows experts from different specialties to collaborate and offer comprehensive care to patients with sarcoidosis.
Since sarcoidosis is unfamiliar to many, loved ones of individuals with the condition often struggle to understand the journey and issues that come with it. With Governor Beshear now declaring April as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, many have hopes for change. “We were hoping to raise greater awareness about sarcoidosis so that our patients can not only get the care they need, but also feel seen and heard,” said Parijat Sen, MD, MS, FCCP, Director of UK HealthCare’s Sarcoidosis Clinic.
The Sarcoidosis Clinic participated in a "Walk With a Doc" event to engage with the community. One attendant was a loved one of a patient with sarcoidosis, who then helped connect the clinic with Governor Beshear's office. The clinic called upon the Governor’s office to champion the cause of Sarcoidosis. Governor Beshear delivered with a printed proclamation of April’s new title – Sarcoidosis Awareness Month. This proclamation is a major step in the UKHC Sarcoidosis program's awareness efforts.
“Previously, we have conducted webinars for patients and healthcare providers, had social media campaigns and engaged with national bodies to spread the word,” said Dr. Sen. “However, when the Governor of the State releases a Proclamation declaring April to be Sarcoidosis Awareness Month, there is no louder and stronger voice that reaches the ears of the Commonwealth. We hope this makes more people in the Commonwealth aware of this rare disease, helping some seek care earlier while also making the journey of those living with it less lonely.”