January
Cervical Health Awareness Month
Cervical Health Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about how women can protect themselves from HPV (human papillomavirus) and cervical cancer. HPV is a very common infection that spreads through sexual activity. It’s also a major cause of cervical cancer.
About 79 million Americans currently have HPV. Many people with HPV don’t know they are infected. And each year, more than 11,000 women in the United States get cervical cancer.
National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created this Blue Campaign in 2010 in efforts to generate unity around combating human trafficking nationwide. DHS’s goals are to raise public awareness on human trafficking, protect victims of this crime, and hold perpetrators accountable to their crimes. Signs of human trafficking
“January 11 is the Blue Campaign’s “Wear Blue Day”, a day where we can all pledge our solidarity with victims of human trafficking and raise awareness about, and work to end, this heinous crime. You can participate by wearing blue and contributing to the campaign on social media using #WearBlueDay. Help us bring trafficking out of the shadows and into plain sight.”
January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month, an important time to spread the word about this sight-stealing disease.
Currently, more than 3 million people in the United States have glaucoma. The National Eye Institute projects this number will reach 4.2 million by 2030, a 58 percent increase.
Thyroid Health Awareness Month
The thyroid is a small gland located in the base of your neck that is part of the endocrine system. This tiny gland has a big job and nobody disputes that! The gland is responsible for various functions including the metabolism, regulating body temperature, cognitive function, digestion, and much more. To make it easy, the thyroid affects the entire body and when it is not working properly you will definitely feel the effects.
Jan 21-27 Healthy Weight Week
January 22-28 National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
Jan 28 World Leprosy Day
February
American Heart Month – Feb 02 National Wear Red Day
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.
The good news? Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for people to make healthier choices.
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
About 1 in 10 teens who have been on a date have also been physically abused by a boyfriend or girlfriend in the last year. Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a national effort to raise awareness and protect teens from violence.
You can make a difference: Encourage schools, community-based organizations, parents, and teens to come together to prevent teen dating violence.
Children’s Dental Health Awareness
The February National Children’s Dental Health Month is brought to you by the ADA and Crest + Oral B. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan, “Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth for a healthy smile”.
Feb 04 World Cancer Day
Feb 4-11 Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week
Feb 5-9 Burn Awareness Week
Feb 09 National Toothache Day
Feb 11-17 Random Acts of Kindness Week
Feb 18-24 National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
Feb 28 Rare Disease Day
March
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Colorectal cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the United States and the second leading cause of death from cancer. Colorectal cancer affects people in all racial and ethnic groups and is most often found in people age 50 and older.
The good news? If everyone age 50 and older were screened regularly, 6 out of 10 deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to encourage people to get screened.
Mar 8 World Kidney Day
Mar 4-11 National Sleep Awareness Week
Mar 12-18 Brain Awareness Week
Mar 19-25 National Poison Prevention Week
Mar 11-17 National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week
Mar 21 World Down Syndrome Day
Mar 24 World Tuberculosis Day
April
Drinking too much alcohol increases people’s risk of injuries, violence, drowning, liver disease, and some types of cancer. The good news? We can all do our part to prevent alcohol misuse or abuse. Spread the word about strategies for preventing alcohol abuse and encourage communities, families, and individuals to get involved.
How can Alcohol Awareness Month make a difference? We can use this month to raise awareness about alcohol abuse and take action to prevent it, both at home and in the community.
Sexual Violence Awareness Month
April is a month dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and increasing the public’s understanding about sexual violence in our society. It also provides opportunities for the community to be directly involved in supporting victims and survivors, their families, and organizations that provide crisis intervention throughout the year. Sexual violence prevention requires many voices and roles. Prevention is possible and we all can make a difference.
National Public Health Week – April 2 -8
Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing our future together. National Public Health Week 2018 was an inspiring week of events, conversations and celebrations nationwide
Apr 02 Autism Awareness Day
Apr 07 World Health Day
Apr 17 World Hemophilia Day
Apr 25 National DNA day
Apr 25 World Malaria Day
Apr 28 World Day for Safety and Health at Work
May
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
With 5.4 million cases in more than 3.3 million people diagnosed annually, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer and highly treatable when detected early. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and we’re counting on YOU.
As part of National Public Health Week, the Nevada Public Health Foundation is unveiling its new website designed to help Nevadans address critical health issues facing the state, like obesity. NPHF.org highlights Nevada’s public health standings and offers resources for awareness, education and collaboration.
Based on national public health indicators, Nevada ranked 37th in overall public health in 2013.
Nevada now has the 12 lowest adult obesity rate in the nation, according to The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America. Nevada’s adult obesity rate is 26.2 percent, up from 21.3 percent in 2004 and from 13.1 percent in 1995.
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Regular physical activity is good for everyone’s health, and people of all ages and body types can be physically active. National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a great time to spread the word about the benefits of getting active.
With the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels, we can’t do this work alone. We need your help. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect time to get involved.
Better Hearing and Speech Month
Each May, Better Hearing & Speech Month (BHSM) provides an opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders and the role of ASHA members in providing life-altering treatment.
For 2018, our theme is “Communication for All.” We have many resources to help you celebrate all month long. Please check back for the latest materials and information on BHSM activities.
Supported by the American Lung Association, Clean Air Month educates people about the impact clean air can have on their lives.
This observance also encourages people to take positive steps to help improve air quality.
Since 1949, Mental Health America and our affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
May is National Bike Month, sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and celebrated in communities from coast to coast. Established in 1956, National Bike Month is a chance to showcase the many benefits of bicycling — and encourage more folks to giving biking a try.
May 01 World Asthma Day
May 05 World Hand Hygiene Day
May 06 International No Diet Day
May 12 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Day
May 6-12 Root Canal Awareness Week
May 13-19 Food Allergy Awareness Week
May 13-18 Woman’s Health Week
May 17-23 National Hepatitis Awareness Week
May 21-25 Bike to Work Week
May 31 World No Tobacco Day
June
Injuries are a leading cause of disability for people of all ages – and they are the leading cause of death for Americans ages 1 to 44. But there are many things people can do to stay safe and prevent injuries.
Make a difference: Spread the word about ways to reduce the risk of injuries. Encourage communities, workplaces, families, and individuals to identify and report safety hazards.
National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month
Jun 03 National Cancer Survivors Day USA
Jun 5-11 Sun Safety Week
Jun 08 World Brain Tumor Day
Jun 11-17 Men’s Health Awareness Week
Jun 14 World Blood Donor Day
Jun 15 Wear Blue Friday
June 15 – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Jun 18 Autistic Pride Day
Jun 26 International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking
June 27 – National HIV Testing Day
July
Jul 8-14 National Therapeutic Recreation Week
Jul 15-21 EveryBody Deserves a Massage Week
Jul 28 World Hepatitis Day
August
National Immunization Awareness Month
Immunization, or vaccination, helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia, adults need to get their shots – just like kids do.
National Immunization Awareness Month is a great time to promote vaccines and remind family, friends, and coworkers to stay up to date on their shots.
Learn more about childhood immunizations here.
Aug 1-7 World Breastfeeding Week
Aug 8-14 National Health Center Week
September
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
One in 3 children in the United States are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity puts kids at risk for health problems that were once seen only in adults, like type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
The good news? Childhood obesity can be prevented. Communities, health professionals, and families can work together to create opportunities for kids to eat healthier and get more active.
Fruits & Veggies – More Matters Month
Eating fruits and vegetables has many health benefits.
People who eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help lower their risk for:
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Some types of cancer
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
National Cholesterol Education Month
Children, young adults and older Americans can have high cholesterol. Learn how to prevent high cholesterol and know what your cholesterol levels mean.
September is National Cholesterol Education Month, a good time to get your blood cholesterol checked and take steps to lower it if it is high. National Cholesterol Education Month is also a good time to learn about lipid profiles and about food and lifestyle choices that help you reach personal cholesterol goals. Below you will find some information about cholesterol and a summary of CDC programs that address cholesterol across the country. You will also find a few fact sheets and publications about cholesterol, as well as links to useful consumer and health care provider information on our partner Web sites.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Learn about prostate cancer to start stepping up against it. The Step Up For Blue campaign empowers men to take control of their health — and encourages their loved ones to support them.
When you Step Up for Blue, you support the 3 million U.S. men living with prostate cancer and the countless families fighting this disease worldwide.
Healthy Aging® Month is an annual observance month designed to focus national attention on the positive aspects of growing older.
The mission of Healthy Aging®Month is to encourage local level Healthy Aging® events that promote taking personal responsibility for one’s health… be it physically, socially, mentally or financially.
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Each day, 42 families in the United States will receive the devastating news that their child or teen has cancer.
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month
It’s September; the month we say goodbye to the long days at the beach, the month the kids go back to school, the month we begin to think about the holidays. September is also Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month.
While it is observed worldwide and has been since 2000, many people are unaware of it. Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month was initiated by ThyCa (Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association) and originally started out as being only a week long. After three years it was expanded to the whole month of September. This awareness was put forth in an effort to encourage people to get yearly checkups for early detection and also to increase research in order to find cures for all thyroid cancers.
Sep 10 World Suicide Prevention Day
October
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. About 1 in 8 women born today in the United States will get breast cancer at some point.
The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. A mammogram – the screening test for breast cancer – can help find breast cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a chance to raise awareness about the importance of early detection of breast cancer. Make a difference! Spread the word about mammograms and encourage communities, organizations, families, and individuals to get involved.
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence effects people of all ages – Elders to children. It impacts women and men. No one is immune to this crime, but we all can advocate against domestic violence.
Please visit the link to learn how YOU can be involved in campaigning against domestic violence.
With half of all eye injuries happening in the home, we could all use a gentle reminder about the importance of eye safety. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists sponsors Eye Injury Prevention Month every October to reinforce the importance of preventing accidents and injury. This is appropriate because World Health Organization’s World Sight Day is observed on the second Thursday of October each year to bring attention to blindness and vision impairment.
Active Aging Week takes place each year during the last full week of September. The dates were chosen to coincide as close as the calendar permits to October 1, the International Day of Older Persons. Upcoming weeks:
2019: September 22- September 28.
Organizations that wish to host Active Aging Week with slightly changed dates, for example, shifting a few days before or after these dates are welcome to do so.
Health Literacy Month is a time for organizations and individuals to promote the importance of understandable health information. This annual, worldwide, awareness-raising event has been going strong ever since Helen Osborne founded it in 1999.
Prevent Blindness brings Americans to eye care. Your donation today will fund outreach to people at the highest risk of vision loss. It will support quality vision screenings for preschool and school-aged children and provide access to professional eye care for low income families around the country. Your donation will fund advocacy and research toward the goal of helping more Americans enjoy the gift of sight for a lifetime.
National Bullying Prevention Month
National Bullying Prevention Month is a nationwide campaign founded in 2006 by PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center. The campaign is held during the month of October and unites communities around the world to educate and raise awareness of bullying prevention. This campaign has grown from an initial week-long event to a worldwide effort with thousands of individuals participating in multiple activities throughout October.
Hundreds of schools, major corporations, and many celebrities have joined the movement. Take action and show that you care about kids being safe at school, while online, and in the community.
National Dental Hygiene Month
We know you work hard to ensure your patients practice good dental hygiene on a daily basis. That’s why we want you to showcase your dental hygiene pride not just this month but every day! If you are a member, we hope you are enjoying the #DHStrong sticker sent to you with the September/October issue of Access and that you have or will display it on your car, in your workplace, or wherever! We also want to provide you with ways to start the conversation about the Daily 4 and what a difference Brushing, Flossing, Rinsing and Chewing can make for your patient’s oral health!
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
National Physical Therapy Month
Despite extensive efforts to raise awareness of and address the human toll of the opioid epidemic, Americans continue to be prescribed and to abuse opioids at alarming rates. This October, APTA will carry on raising awareness of physical therapy as a safe and effective alternative to opioids for the long-term treatment of chronic pain via its award-winning #ChoosePT campaign.
You can learn about #ChoosePT and find ways to support APTA’s efforts locally by visiting the online Campaign Toolkit.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month
Sudden Cardiac Arrest is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking the lives of more than 350,000 people each year. Anyone can experience Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), including infants, children, teens, young adults and people in their 30s and 40s who have no sign of heart disease, as well as more mature adults.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year of age.
Most SIDS deaths happen when babies are between 1 month and 4 months of age.
Each year, about 4,000 infants die unexpectedly during sleep time, from SIDS, accidental suffocation, or unknown causes.
SIDS is not a risk for babies 1 year of age or older.
Oct 1 Child Health Day
Oct 2-8 Mental Illness Awareness Week
Oct 2-6 National Primary Care Week
Oct 6 National Depression Screening Day ®
Oct 12-20 Bone and Joint Health Action Week
Oct 13 Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day
Oct 15-21 International Infection Prevention Week
Oct 15 Global Handwashing Day
Oct 15 National Latino AIDS Awareness Day
Oct 16 World Food Day
Oct 19 World Pediatric Bone and Joint Day
Oct 20 World Osteoporosis Day
Oct 21 National Check Your Meds Day
Oct 21-27 National Healthcare Quality Week
Oct 22 International Stuttering Awareness Day
Oct 22-28 Respiratory Care Week
Oct 23-31 Red Ribbon Week
Oct 29 World Psoriasis Day
November
Diabetes is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the United States. It can cause blindness, nerve damage, kidney disease, and other health problems if it’s not controlled.
One in 11 Americans have diabetes — that’s more than 29 million people. And another 86 million adults in the United States are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
November is Bladder Health Month! While many of us are not always thinking about our bladder health, this month serves as a reminder to get the facts about common bladder health problems and to take an active role in taking care of our health.
Two common health problems affecting the bladder are urinary incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB).
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a chronic lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. The disease is increasingly common, affecting millions of Americans, and is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. The good news is COPD is often preventable and treatable. Here you’ll find information, resources and tools to help you understand COPD, manage treatment and lifestyle changes, find support and take action.
The American Lung Association is committed to supporting those affected by COPD. We offer a variety of resources and information about the disease. Check out some of our key COPD support and education resources featured below. Or scroll down to explore our entire COPD section.
National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month
National Family Caregivers Month
Caregiver Action Network is the nation’s leading family caregiver organization working to improve the quality of life for the more than 90 million Americans who care for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or the frailties of old age. CAN serves a broad spectrum of family caregivers ranging from the parents of children with special needs, to the families and friends of wounded soldiers; from a young couple dealing with a diagnosis of MS, to adult children caring for parents with Alzheimer’s disease. CAN (the National Family Caregivers Association) is a non-profit organization providing education, peer support, and resources to family caregivers across the country free of charge.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Month
It’s about how you live. This is the theme for November’s National Hospice and Palliative Care Month 2017. Whether you’re creating advertisements, newsletter pieces, website graphics or social media, we hope the materials below will be helpful.
Stomach Cancer Awareness Month
Our Mission: The No Stomach For Cancer Mission is to support research and unite the caring power of people worldwide affected by stomach cancer.
We care about the health and well-being of those affected by stomach cancer and envision a world without stomach cancer.
Nov 15 Great American Smoke Out
Nov 19 International Survivors of Suicide Day
Nov 20-26 GERD Awareness Week
Nov 24 National Family Health History Day
Nov 12 World Pneumonia Day
Nov 14 World Diabetes Day
Nov 17 World Prematurity Day
December
World AIDS Day is a global initiative to raise awareness, fight prejudice, and improve education about HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. World AIDS Day is December 1.
Around the world, about 37 million people are living with HIV. In the United States, about 44,000 people get infected with HIV every year.
The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. It’s important that everyone ages 15 to 65 gets tested for HIV at least once. Some people may need to get tested more often. Dec 01 World AIDS Day
Dec 03 International Day of People with Disability
Dec 3-9 National Handwashing Awareness Week
Dec 4-11 National Influenza Vaccination Week
Please contact info@nphf.org for suggestions to add on this page.
Page last reviewed: June 3, 2018
Page last updated: June 3, 2018