National Family Medicine Week September 29 - October 5, 2024

The American Academy of Family Physicians recognizes September 29-October 5 as National Family Medicine Week. This annual observance provides an opportunity to honor family physicians for their work and elevate the importance of building a strong, sustainable family medicine workforce. We hope Illinois members will help amplify this campaign highlighting the important role family physicians play in their communities.

Link to a template Letter to the Editor and a template Op-Ed that you can adapt and send to your hometown newspaper. Where should you place your op-ed? Check to see if your local newspaper has an opinion or guest commentary section—which should include submission requirements and instructions.   

Social Media Messaging 

National Family Medicine Week provides an opportunity to elevate family physicians and call for policies that invest in family medicine. You’re invited to join the AAFP in recognizing this important observance on social media.  Or simply share, repost our IAFP social media messages

Please do not use these until September 29. Feel free to tweak and edit the copy to fit your style and engage with your followers on X (formerly known as Twitter) and LinkedIn. You are free to use the copy as it is written or write your own posts. Don’t forget to tag @aafp and @IllinoisAFP  

Twitter/X handles to follow:  @aafp and @aafp_advocacy  @illinoisafp

Sample Posts:

Post 1: Happy Family Medicine Week

Happy Family Medicine Week! Thank you to all our family physicians in Illinois who deliver comprehensive, compassionate care to patients of all ages. Your dedication helps keep our communities healthy and strong. Today and every day, we appreciate all the work you do!

Post 2: Importance of Investing in Primary Care

Did you know? States with more primary care physicians have better health outcomes; lower rates for mortality from heart disease, cancer or stroke; and lower infant mortality and healthier birth weights.

Primary care is valuable for everyone in Illinois – now is the time to advocate for the investment it deserves!

Post 3: Comprehensive Care

Family physicians are more than doctors—they are partners in their patients’ health journey at every stage of their life. From preventive services to managing chronic conditions, they offer holistic, patient-centered care that makes a real difference.

This Family Medicine Week let’s celebrate the comprehensive care provided by family physicians in Illinois!

Post 4: Investment in Primary Care

Despite the evidence showing the benefits of primary care, Illinois spends only a small fraction of total health care dollars on primary care services.

This Family Medicine Week, join us in advocating for increased investment in primary care to ensure everyone in Illinois has access to high-quality health services.

Post 5: Thank You Family Physicians

Your dedication to understanding your patients' health history means exceptional care and better health outcomes. From preventive services to managing chronic conditions, you provide continuity and personalized care that truly makes a difference.

This Family Medicine Week, we celebrate the incredible impact you have on your patients' lives in Illinois. Thank you for knowing your patients inside and out!