2024 Celebrations:
Healthcare Observances throughout the Quarter

August  

  • August 1st: Since 2012, several organizations that serve as a resource for cancer and cancer patients have observed World Lung Cancer Day to raise awareness about lung cancer. This year’s observance focuses on the power of unity, in the fight against lung cancer 

 

  • August 21st: Senior Citizen’s Day is nationally observed, dedicated to honoring and showing appreciation for the value and contribution of elderly people to home, family, and society. This day acknowledges the long-term effort, wisdom, and experience that our seniors have contributed to our lives and communities throughout their lifetime. 

 

  • August 31st: International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind. 

 

  • August 4th-10th: National Health Center Week (NHCW) was created To celebrate America’s Health Centers. 

 

  • August 12th – 18th: Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event that recognizes the successes of workplace health and safety programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.  

 

  • Medic Alert Awareness Month was designed to raise awareness about the benefits of medical identification tags. 

 

  • Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month here at Prevent Blindness. You can help raise awareness of children’s vision and eye health as kids head back to school.  Our key message is that healthy vision contributes to children’s school readiness, ability to learn, overall healthy development and ability to reach motor developmental milestones and that vision screening and eye care are essential components of a Strong Vision Health System of Care. 

 

  • Gastroparesis Awareness Month. IFFGD works to focus attention on important health messages about gastroparesis diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues. The goals include improving understanding of gastroparesis to help patients and families manage the condition, and encouraging preventive strategies. 

 

  • In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month (NBM), each August the USBC hosts a social media advocacy and outreach campaign inviting member organizations, breastfeeding coalitions, partner organizations, and individuals to participate in online action and conversation about the policy and practice changes needed to build a landscape of support for babies and families.  

 

  • National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. Together, we can help raise awareness about the importance of vaccination and encourage people to talk to a healthcare provider they trust about staying up to date on their vaccinations. 

 

  • Each August, the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) unites its community in a show of support, celebration, and dedication.Psoriasis Action Month is a great reminder of all that binds us – of all we share. You are part of a community of 125 million people worldwide who have developed psoriasis, and while each person has their own unique experience with this disease, you also have very much in common. 

 

September 

  • September 10th: World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP). WHO has been co-sponsor of the day. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. 

 

  • September 13th: World Sepsis Day is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against sepsis. Sepsis accounts for at least 11 million deaths worldwide annually. Yet, depending on country and education, sepsis is known only to 7 – 50 % of the people. Likewise, it is poorly known that sepsis can be prevented by vaccination and clean care and that early recognition and treatment reduces sepsis mortality by 50 %. This lack of knowledge makes sepsis the number one preventable cause of death worldwide. 

 

  • September 13th: Dubbed National Celiac Disease Awareness Day in honor of the doctor who identified a link between celiac disease and diet. Dr. Samuel Gee, a leader in celiac disease research, was born on Sept. 13, 1839. 

 

 

  • September 18th: National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day was launched in 2018 by The AIDS Institute in an effort to raise awareness due to the alarming increase in the number of HIV diagnoses among older adults and individuals over 50 living and aging with HIV. 

 

  • September 21st: World Alzheimer’s Day is a day on which Alzheimer’s organizations around the world concentrate their efforts on raising awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, a group of disorders that impairs mental functioning. 

 

 

  • September 25th: National Women’s Health and Fitness Day is observed on the last Wednesday of September, and it’s a time to promote the importance of health and fitness for women of all ages. Celebrate by making a Well Checkup Appointment – that’s an annual visit with your doctor to talk about your health, your lifestyle, and your concerns. Think of it as a way to pamper yourself! 

 

  • September 26th:  Mesothelioma Awareness Day takes place annually and was established in 2004 by Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation community members, and has been the driving force behind the movement to bring more attention and funding to this cancer. 

 

  • September 29th: World Heart Day is a global, multi-lingual celebration, Spans six continents, our hundreds of World Heart Federation (WHF) member organizations, the countless schools, universities, sports clubs and the vibrant cardiology community make World Heart Day (WHD) a truly global celebration.  Every year these groups and individuals bring their local flair, favor and colors to festivities, marking the day by sharing heart healthy regional specialties, leading a dance to get the whole community moving, and sharing life-saving lessons far and wide. 

 

  • September 16th – 20th: Malnutrition Awareness WeekTM is ASPEN’s annual campaign to educate healthcare professionals and consumers on the detection, intervention, and treatment of malnutrition. Here are some ways you can join in and make an impact in your community. 

 

  • September 16th – 22nd: In recognition of the benefits of rehabilitation and the successes of those who have received treatment through all forms rehabilitation, the National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF) recognizes National Rehabilitation Awareness Week during the third full week in September every year.  

 

 

  • September 23rd – 27th: Falls among older adults continue to be a national public health concern. Join NCOA for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide observance with state coalitions and partners to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling. 

 

  • The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) recognizes the entire month of September as National Suicide Prevention Month: a moment in time in which we rally the public to create awareness of this leading cause of death, and inspire more and more people to learn how they can play a role in their communities in helping to save lives.