Events Held on Saturday, May 31 – June 4, 2025
In recognition of June as Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy and The Headache Alliance will host a powerful series of events in Washington, D.C. to raise visibility and demand action for the more than 40 million Americans living with migraine and headache disorders.
The centerpiece of the effort is a large-scale visual installation of tens of thousands of purple flags and informative signage on the National Mall. This is part of a national movement that includes more than ten pop-up installations in cities across the country, over fifty buildings and landmarks turning purple in solidarity, and more than twenty-five state and local governments issuing official proclamations.
The events also highlight the anticipated introduction of the HEADACHE Act, the first-ever stand-alone federal legislation focused on migraine and headache diseases.
Bellamy Young, actress and migraine patient, is expected to attend the June 4 event, offer remarks, and be available for media interviews. Patients, clinicians, researchers, and caregivers with lived experience will also be available for interviews on-site throughout the week.
More information is available at https://flagsforheadache.org
1. Volunteer Day: Help Build the Installation
WHAT:
Volunteers from across the country will help plant tens of thousands of purple flags on the National Mall, transforming the space into a powerful tribute and call to action for the millions affected by headache diseases. The installation will be up until June 14th.
WHEN:
Saturday, May 31, 2025
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM ET
WHERE:
National Mall (between 3rd and 4th Street NW)
Washington, DC 20565
2. Congressional Briefing: Migraine’s Economic Impact and the Path Forward
WHAT:
This educational briefing will highlight the tremendous economic toll of migraine and headache disorders and explore federal policy solutions to address the burden. Speakers will include a headache specialist, a patient advocate, and pre-recorded remarks from Congresswoman Lori Trahan, who is expected to introduce the HEADACHE Act, the first stand-alone legislation on migraine and headache disorders. Migraine alone is estimated to cost the U.S. economy over $78 billion each year in lost productivity, emergency care, and missed work and school days.
WHEN:
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM ET
WHERE:
Rayburn House Office Building, Room 2075
Washington, DC
3. Press Conference: Speak Out for Headache Health
WHAT:
This Speak Out for Headache Health press conference will mark the official opening of the Headache on the Hill Installation on the National Mall. Advocates, clinicians, and elected officials will gather to call for meaningful federal action on headache disorders. Actress and migraine patient Bellamy Young is expected to attend, deliver remarks, and be available for interviews. Local singer songwriter and migraine patient Shelby Blondell is expected to perform. Potential Congressional Speakers are to be determined.
WHEN:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
WHERE:
National Mall (between 3rd and 4th Street NW)
Washington, DC 20565
Press RSVP: https://forms.allianceforheadacheadvocacy.org/a/speak-out-headache-health-25 or email [email protected]
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About the Alliance for Headache Disorders Advocacy (AHDA)
AHDA is a national nonprofit organization working to advance equitable policies and secure federal and state recognition for people living with migraine and headache disorders through legislative and regulatory advocacy.
About The Headache Alliance
The Headache Alliance provides public education, advocacy, and awareness programming to empower individuals and communities affected by migraine and headache diseases to take action and drive systemic change.
