#OneOf15M Hits Social Media—CHADD Is Raising Awareness of the 15 Million People with ADHD

LANHAM, Md. - March 24, 2015 - PRLog -- CHADD is using crowdfunding to support its efforts to reach every person affected by ADHD.

While 15 million have ADHD, many aren’t aware that their struggles may be due to undiagnosed ADHD. Misinformation and stigma prevent many from seeking evaluation and treatment for themselves or their children.

Silence contributes to stigma. #OneOf15M encourages people to embrace ADHD and know they aren’t alone. Looking to support the ADHD community, CHADD started a GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com/oneof15m) to boost its ADHD awareness and education efforts. CHADD encourages followers to use social media to tell their ADHD story, declare their relationship with someone with ADHD, or “show their hand” in support of ADHD awareness. Within a week, more than 400 people posted images or messages with “I am #OneOf15M,” “I love #OneOf15M,” “I teach #OneOf15M,” or “I coach #OneOf15M.”

With growing evidence that ADHD is underdiagnosed and undertreated, particularly among underserved populations, CHADD must continue providing the support needed by the ADHD community every day.

CHADD’s COO April Gower says, "The #OneOf15M effort will continue until we reach every single person affected by ADHD and those who care about them.”

"With enough funding,” says Barbara Hawkins, Immediate Past President of CHADD’s Board of Directors, “CHADD could expand into areas of great need in the ADHD community, such as educational materials and virtual support groups tailored for all stages of adulthood, expanded training for educators and parents, grants for emerging scientists conducting ADHD research,  resources for sport coaches and athletes,  programs to reduce stigma and bullying, and enhanced national and state advocacy work ensuring those with ADHD are represented in policy and funding decisions.”

About CHADD

Founded in 1987, CHADD is a national nonprofit organization using private and public resources to fulfill its mission of improving the lives of people affected by ADHD. ADHD is a brain-based disorder affecting people of every age, gender, IQ, and socioeconomic background. CHADD provides support, education, and encouragement to children and adults with ADHD, parents, educators, and professionals. For more information: www.chadd.org or fb.me/79Cwl5pSX (http://t.co/5YeCWnQIpK).