Where Community Sparks Hope: November Marks National Epilepsy Awareness Month

BOWIE, Md., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This November, the Epilepsy Foundation of America invites everyone across the country to uplift the epilepsy community during National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM).

This year's NEAM theme, "Where Community Sparks Hope" celebrates the meaningful connections that help people with epilepsy feel understood and supported. Together, communities can challenge stigma and turn awareness into a stronger sense of belonging.

"A community becomes a source of hope when people know they can ask for help and be met with understanding," said Bernice "Bee" Martin Lee, chief executive officer, Epilepsy Foundation of America. "This National Epilepsy Awareness Month, we invite everyone to help build that community. Learn how to recognize and respond to a seizure, listen to someone's story, or connect with your local Foundation."

Approximately 3.4 million people in the United States live with epilepsy, including about 456,000 children. One in 10 people will have a seizure during their lifetime, and one in 26 will develop epilepsy. These figures underscore the importance of building informed, supportive communities where people affected by epilepsy can find understanding and connection.

The Foundation encourages everyone to spark hope this November in the following ways:

• Share your story: Submit an experience to the Foundation's eJourney blog to help others find encouragement and connection through the challenges and milestones of living with epilepsy.
• Learn seizure first aid: Register for a free Seizure Recognition and First Aid certification training to build the knowledge and confidence to recognize seizures and safely provide first aid. Invite friends and family to join; training is also available in Spanish. The Foundation will host a certification training on November 3 in recognition of NEAM.
• Connect on social media: Share epilepsy facts, personal experiences, and Foundation posts using #NEAM2026 and #WhereCommunitySparksHope to raise awareness and help challenge stigma.
• Get involved locally: Connect with your local Epilepsy Foundation to explore walks, fundraisers, educational events, and volunteer opportunities that bring your community together.

For more information about National Epilepsy Awareness Month and ways to participate, visit the Foundation's NEAM campaign page.

About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder in the world, affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.4 million Americans live with active epilepsy. The condition is defined by a tendency to experience seizures—sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can disrupt behavior, awareness, and bodily control. Beyond seizures, epilepsy can also lead to challenges such as fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, anxiety, and trouble concentrating, all of which can significantly impact daily life. Visit epilepsy.com to learn more.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of America
The Epilepsy Foundation America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has led efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that make a meaningful difference for individuals living with epilepsy. We also fund cutting-edge research and support early-career investigators working to discover new treatments and therapies. Through our nationwide network of local offices and community partners, the Foundation expands access to care, provides seizure recognition and first aid training, and delivers direct services to those in need. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000; in Spanish laepilepsia.org or call 866.748.8008.

SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation