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Hey y’all,

Did you know we just launched a new program last week? DoSomething members are already taking action to help keep their friends healthy and safe this upcoming school year through the Complete What’s Missing program, developed in partnership with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Keep scrolling to learn how you can join them!

Let's Do This,

Jackie (she/her)

Complete What’s Missing: How the DoSomething Community is Educating Their Friends on Meningococcal Disease and Medical Misinformation

The Problem: 

Meningococcal disease is caused by a bacteria which can cause meningitis, a brain and spinal cord infection with serious health complications, blood stream infection, and death. Young people and college students living in dorms are at an increased risk of meningococcal disease, and with in-person college classes resuming in the fall, there is concern that outbreaks of meningococcal disease could reoccur.

Even though this infection is preventable through vaccination, fewer than half of young people are fully vaccinated against meningococcal disease. There are two kinds of vaccines available to fully prevent meningococcal disease (menACWY and menB). Many young people aren’t fully protected because they’ve only completed part of the vaccination series!

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us the importance of public health, the prevalence of medical misinformation online is making it harder than ever for young people to tell the difference between fact and fiction when it comes to protecting their health.

The Solution: 

Educate your friends (and family) about meningococcal disease and why and how to get fully vaccinated and be fully informed about ways to spot medical misinformation. Join the DoSomething community educating their loved ones through our Complete What’s Missing program, created in partnership with the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.

Encourage your friends to protect themselves against meningococcal disease and spot medical misinformation. You’ll be entered for the chance to win a $1,500 scholarship!

Good news is… Candace Parker just became the first WNBA player to be featured on the cover of NBA2K. 

My hero today is... 9-year-old Aakayla Gunn, who helped her mom deliver her baby sister at home. 

Get inspired by… these young activists working at the intersection of environmental and racial justice. 

More Amazing Impact From the DoSomething Community!

We asked you to brag about the amazing stuff you’re doing, and you did not disappoint. Here are some of our favorite answers from the DoSomething community. (Psst...submit yours here!)

“[I was] published in Newspaper Metromode and C&G Newspapers for Stairway For Ballet.”

- SoEun, 16, Michigan

“I have won several awards, been featured in articles, hosted and co-led trainings, hosted peer to peer and adult presentations, and most importantly worked on local, state, and national legislation.”

- Cayman, 15, Indiana

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