Rare Disease Day^® takes place worldwide, typically on or near the last day of February each year, to raise awareness among policymakers and the public about rare diseases and their impact on patients’ lives. This year’s global theme is “bridging health and social care.”

Sponsored by NCATS and the CC, this year’s event will feature interactive panel discussions on collective research models for rare diseases, patient registries, rare cancer research initiatives, and “no disease left behind, no patient left behind.” New this year will be a presentation of the first ever Zebbie award for the NCATS Rare Diseases are Not Rare! Challenge. Other highlights include posters and exhibits by rare disease groups and researchers as well as artwork, videos and CC tours. Admission is free and open to the public. In association with Global Genes^®, participants are encouraged to wear their favorite pair of jeans. Be sure to follow the event on social media using #RDDNIH.

Thursday, Feb. 28, 2019
8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m. ET
Main Auditorium, Natcher Conference Center, Building 45*
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, Maryland