I know the toll of caregiving because I lived it.

When I became the primary caregiver for my mom, I made the unusual choice to share the same physician with her. I wanted him to see both of our health journeys together. That small decision made a difference for me, but I quickly realized most caregivers never get asked about their role at all.

Caregivers are the hidden patients of our healthcare system.

Nearly 53 million Americans — 1 in 5 adults — provide unpaid care for a loved one. According to the CDC, caregivers are significantly more likely to report fair or poor health compared to non-caregivers.

Studies also show caregivers face higher risks of depression, anxiety, obesity, high blood pressure, and chronic illness.

I experienced this firsthand. I gained more than 40 pounds, my blood pressure medications increased, I suffered anxiety attacks, and my bloodwork spiraled out of balance. I even ended up in the hospital while still arranging for someone to stay with my mom.

This campaign is personal. It comes from my lived experience and the belief that one simple question could change everything:

“Are you a caregiver?”

By adding this question to physician intake forms, we can identify hidden caregivers earlier, connect them to resources, and protect their health before it reaches a breaking point. Caregivers should no longer be invisible in healthcare.

Because caregiver health is patient health.