Calendar of health awareness months

January

National Blood Donor Month

People have observed National Blood Donor Month since January 1970, as winter is one of the most difficult seasons to collect blood. It is a drive to increase blood donations and recognize the work of donors.

Organizations such as the American Red Cross and America’s Blood Centers come together to celebrate National Blood Donor Month, encouraging people to donate.

How to get involved: Click here to locate a local blood donation center.

National Birth Defects Prevention Month

This is a campaign to educate people on preventing birth defects, or congenital disabilities.

The National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN) have developed materials and resources to educate and inform medical professionals and the public. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have also produced guidelines and advice.

The NBDPN are also on Twitter and Facebook.

How to get involved: Email nbdpn@nbdpn.org for more information.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during January include:

• National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Supported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the National Eye Institute (NEI), this campaign highlights the dangers of glaucoma, for which there is currently no cure. For information on glaucoma, dilated eye examinations, and financial assistance available for eye care, click here.
• Thyroid Awareness Month: The American Thyroid Association promote public learning about the prevention, treatment, and cure of thyroid-related diseases and cancer.

This month also promotes excellence and innovation in research.

February

American Heart Month

This campaign reminds people to focus on their hearts and aims to get local communities and organizations involved in raising awareness to prevent heart disease.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) run a program called The Heart Truth, which posts fact sheets and ideas. Campaigns to raise awareness have included wearing red on the first Friday of February.

How to get involved: This fact sheet has 25 ways to get involved.

National Cancer Prevention Month

The American Institute for Cancer Research spearhead National Cancer Prevention Month, which is represented by a purple ribbon. The campaign focuses on what people can do to decrease their risk of cancer by making lifestyle changes.

Other key organizations include the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Foundation for Cancer Research. These organizations raise awareness through walks and runs, volunteering drives, and extensive social media campaigns.

How to get involved: The ACS accept donations all year round here.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during February include:

• National Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)/Low Vision Awareness Month: These campaigns raise awareness and education around AMD. The NEI have various resources and advice, including videos, webinars, fact sheets, and more.
• International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month: The CDC observe this campaign, and the goal is to raise awareness around prenatal infections. The Group B Strep International organization are heavily involved every February and offer a wealth of resources.

March

National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

This campaign focuses on the disabled community and highlights how those with developmental disabilities live normal lives. It is about inclusion, awareness, and education.

How to get involved: The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities partner with the Association for University Centers on Disabilities and the National Disability Rights Network to create a social media campaign.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

The Endometriosis Association began this campaign in 1993, and organizations worldwide now recognize it. The yellow ribbon is a symbol of support.

How to get involved: A series of awareness events take place in March, with numerous other campaigns, fundraising drives, and acts of recognition of women’s stories and volunteer efforts.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during March include:

• Brain Injury Awareness Month: The Brain Injury Association of America conduct an awareness campaign each year. The campaign works to empower those affected by brain injury and remove the stigma around brain injuries. People can make donations here.
• National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month: The Prevent Cancer Foundation, the American Digestive Health Foundation, and the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable have campaigns on preventing and treating colorectal cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance have an extensive toolkit of fundraising materials, advice, and information. People can make donations here.
• National Kidney Month: The National Kidney Foundation established this campaign to get people interested in kidney health. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases have been working with the NHLBI to help raise awareness.
• National Nutrition Month: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics established this campaign to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing positive eating habits alongside physical activity. This National Nutrition Month toolkit is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking more information.
• Save Your Vision Month: The American Optometric Association champion this campaign. It aims to increase awareness about good eye care and regular testing.
• Trisomy Awareness Month: Down syndrome is a form of trisomy. Trisomy.org is an extensive resource with a donation facility. This month plays a huge role in increasing awareness and helping those affected.

April

National Minority Health Month

This is an effort to build awareness about the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in minority populations.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health are encouraging simple and creative steps to improve physical, mental, and emotional wellness.

How to get involved: There are resources at this website.

National Autism Awareness Month

The National Autism Society provide information and resources for communities to be more aware of and involved in autism and promoting its acceptance.

How to get involved: Click here to find out more about Autism Awareness Month.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during April include:

• Alcohol Awareness Month: The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence organize this campaign to discuss the stigma around alcohol and substance abuse.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome Awareness Month: The International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) provide press releases and toolkits. Find the IFFGD on social media to become part of the conversation.
• National Cancer Control Month: The five goals and programs of National Cancer Control Month are cancer prevention, early detection, improving treatments, increasing survival rates, and improving quality of life. Learn more by visiting the ACS. The National Foundation for Cancer Research have also created a free cancer prevention kit.
• National Child Abuse Prevention Month: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services support the campaign and use it to enable communities and families to take positive action. For more information, click here.
• National Occupational Therapy Month: Also called OT Month, this campaign recognizes the work of all occupational therapists. The American Occupational Therapy Association provide information, advocacy, and much more.
• National Parkinson’s Awareness Month: The Parkinson’s Foundation have a specific calendar focusing on this special month, with everything from virtual sing-alongs to global activism.
• Oral Cancer Awareness Month: The Oral Cancer Foundation (OCF) host Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week to promote free screenings and offer educational talks and awareness programs. Donate to the OCF here, and wear a red ribbon to show support.
• Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center coordinate this campaign to reinforce the need for more awareness and prevention around sexual assault. Organizations such as the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network have educational resources and support ideas.
• STI Awareness Month: The importance of sexually transmitted infection testing and education is highlighted in April. The Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program have lots of great ideas and advice.
• Stress Awareness Month: The Health Resource Network sponsor this campaign to highlight causes of and cures for modern-day stress. Rethink.org has a wealth of information and a donation facility.
• Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: This website has plenty of information around the campaign and the work being done regarding testicular cancer. The Testicular Cancer Society is also a good source of information, offering advice on how to perform self-examinations.
• Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month: Prevent Blindness designated April as Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month. This is a campaign to educate women about the steps they need to take to help stop vision loss. The NEI have more information.

May

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health America (MHA) started Mental Health Awareness Month, also called Mental Health Month.

MHA are the leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people with mental health issues and promoting overall mental health. They also have an advocacy network and career center for job seekers, employers, and interns.

During the month of May, various mental health organizations and affiliates come together to highlight the issue, encourage discussion, share stories, and conduct awareness activities.

How to get involved: MHA have Twitter and Facebook pages. Anyone wishing to offer financial support can donate here.

Older Americans Month

The Administration for Community Living lead the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. It was initially known as Senior Citizens Month before becoming Older Americans Month in 1965.

How to get involved: Share plans and stories on social media with the hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during May include:

• Better Hearing & Speech Month: The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association founded this campaign. It provides an annual opportunity to raise awareness about communication disorders, encouraging people to analyze their own hearing and speech.
• Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation sponsor Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. People can tell their stories online using the hashtag #CFawareness.
• Hepatitis Awareness Month: This campaign organizes many activities to increase awareness and education about hepatitis. The CDC have a selection of resources.
• Lupus Awareness Month: The Lupus Foundation of America are a driving force behind this campaign, with numerous ideas and resources on how to raise awareness.
• National Arthritis Awareness Month: The Arthritis Foundation provide education and information around arthritis. This campaign aims to motivate people to get up and moving while raising funds for arthritis research, support, and advocacy.
• National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America drive this awareness campaign. May is a peak season for people with allergies. The World Allergy Organization are a comprehensive source of information.
• National Celiac Disease Awareness Month: The Celiac Disease Foundation partner with many organizations to drive this campaign. Beyond Celiac provide information around the campaign.
• National High Blood Pressure Education Month: The CDC sponsor this event, and the NHLBI recognize it. It attempts to raise awareness about the impact of hypertension. The American Heart Association (AHA) have extensive resources.
• National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: The National Osteoporosis Foundation promote good bone health through the prevention, detection, and treatment of osteoporosis. The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research offer various educational aids and resources.
• National Stroke Awareness Month: The National Stroke Association run this campaign to educate people on warning signs, treatment options, and prevention.
• National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month: Teen pregnancy prevention is one of the CDC’s top seven priorities in public health. Click here for comprehensive information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• Skin Cancer Awareness Month: This campaign aims to educate the public about the dangers of UV radiation and encourage sun-safe habits. The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology offer resources.

June

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month

The Alzheimer’s Association provide educational resources, fundraising ideas, and inspirational stories. People can also donate online.

How to get involved: Wear purple to reflect the campaign’s message and look out for the hashtag #ENDALZ.

National Aphasia Awareness Month

The National Aphasia Association help drive this campaign, raising awareness of this language disorder that strokes usually cause.

The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association also focus on public education during the month of June.

How to get involved: Connect using the hashtag #TakeAphasiaAction and make donations here.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during June include:

• Cataract Awareness Month: Prevent Blindness coordinate this campaign to help people identify the signs of cataracts and get treatment.
• Hernia Awareness Month: The purpose of National Hernia Awareness Month is to raise public knowledge of the warning signs and latest treatment options available.
• National Safety Month: The National Safety Council promote this campaign, focusing on saving lives and preventing injuries. Areas of focus include mental health, ergonomics, building a safety culture, and driving.
• Myasthenia Gravis Awareness Month: Also called MG Awareness Month, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America drive awareness around this condition, which causes weakness and easy fatigue of voluntary muscles. They organize a variety of fundraisers for research, a parade, virtual hangouts, and more.
• National Congenital Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Awareness Month: CMV is the most common infectious cause of congenital disabilities, according to the CDC. Find out more here.
• Scoliosis Awareness Month: The Scoliosis Research Society campaign to raise awareness about detecting and treating scoliosis early, plus the importance of community support for people with the condition.
• National Scleroderma Awareness Month: The Scleroderma Foundation aim to raise awareness of the symptoms and impact of this condition and provide information on how to support research into treatments.
• Men’s Health Month: This campaign aims to draw attention to preventable conditions in men and encourage men to seek help and support for health issues. Learn more here.

July

Cord Blood Awareness Month

Cord blood refers to the blood collected from the umbilical cord and placenta when a healthy baby is born. It is a vital resource for stem cells and has medical applications.

The Parent’s Guide to Cord Blood Foundation sponsor this campaign, which aims to raise awareness of the practice.

How to get involved: For more information, visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

International Group B Strep Throat Awareness Month

The Group B Strep International organization help promote this awareness month and are a key driver of this month-long campaign.

How to get involved: Campaigns are active across social media platforms.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during July include:

• Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month: This campaign aims to raise awareness of the fact that children can have arthritis, even though the condition is often associated with older adults. Learn more here.
• National Cleft and Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month: This event educates the public and healthcare providers on craniofacial conditions and how to access treatment and support. Resources are available here.

August

National Breastfeeding Month

The United States Breastfeeding Committee support this event so that people can pledge their support, share experiences, and campaign to illustrate the benefits of breastfeeding.

How to get involved: There are many websites discussing this issue, including La Leche League International.

National Immunization Awareness Month

This is an annual observance to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. This campaign aims to provide facts to support the benefits of vaccination.

How to get involved: The CDC offer a wealth of information and resources.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during August include:

• Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month: This campaign helps educate caregivers and children on their eye health and safety. Information from the NEI is available here.
• Gastroparesis Awareness Month: Gastroparesis, also known as delayed gastric emptying, is a chronic condition affecting the stomach muscles.
• Psoriasis Action Month: The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) created a Psoriasis Awareness Month, initially in October. The NPF have a strong presence on Instagram and other social media platforms.

September

Pain Awareness Month

The American Chronic Pain Association have spearheaded efforts to raise awareness of the challenges of living with and managing chronic pain, as well as awareness of how others can help.

How to get involved: The U.S. Pain Foundation have various links to programs and advocacy opportunities.

National Cholesterol Education Month

This campaign seeks to educate the public on the dangers of high cholesterol and its link to heart disease.

Organizations such as the CDC and the American College of Cardiology come together to recognize the work being done.

How to get involved: People can talk to a healthcare professional about getting their cholesterol levels checked.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during September include:

• Blood Cancer Awareness Month: This campaign raises awareness of blood cancers. Different organizations provide information online and on social media.
• Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Represented by a gold ribbon, many children’s cancer organizations come together to mark this campaign. Visit the American Childhood Cancer Organization to find out more and donate.
• Healthy Aging Month: This is an observance designed to focus on the positive aspects of growing older. Visit Healthy Aging for a wealth of resources and information.
• National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: This campaign seeks to raise awareness and education of atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular or rapid heartbeat. Stopafib.org, cardiosmart.org, and heart.org provide comprehensive insight and advice.
• National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month: This campaign helps parents and caregivers prevent child obesity early and understand the physical health problems associated with the condition. The American College of Sports Medicine sponsor this month-long campaign.
• National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Organizations such as the Men’s Health Network sponsor events related to this campaign, alongside the Prostate Cancer Foundation. The ACS also have a prostate cancer awareness page.
• National Recovery Month: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration aim to increase awareness and understanding of substance use disorders and celebrate those who recover. The Association for Addiction Professionals discuss the issue on their website.
• National Sickle Cell Awareness Month: This month helps focus attention on the need for research and treatment. The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America drive this campaign and have extensive resources and information online. Visit the American Red Cross to give blood.
• Newborn Screening Awareness Month: This campaign draws attention to the benefits of newborn screening for prospective caregivers and medical professionals. More information is available here.
• Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: Ovarian cancer is a common gynecologic cancer in the U.S. Wear a teal ribbon to show support or visit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month: This was created to increase awareness and education of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as there is currently no cure for it. PCOS Challenge: The National Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Association are the sponsoring organization, offering supporting resources, information, and events.
• Sepsis Awareness Month: Organizations aim to focus on the dangers of sepsis and how people can prevent it. Learn more here.
• Sexual Health Awareness Month: Throughout September, the American Sexual Health Association offer fact sheets, interviews, and perspectives on sexual health.

October

Eye Injury Prevention Month

This aims to raise awareness about types of eye injury, as well as the need to use appropriate protective eyewear.

The AAO encourage everyone to protect their eyes from accidental injury.

How to get involved: Check out the World Health Organization’s (WHO) World Sight Day for more advice.

National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Several major breast cancer charities organize this international health campaign. It aims to encourage education about the importance of early screenings, tests, and more.

How to get involved: Key websites include wearitpink.org, nationalbreastcancer.org, and breastcancernow.org. Pink is the color of support.

Other awareness campaigns

Other awareness campaigns during October include:

• Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Break the Cycle and the Domestic Violence Awareness Project have resources on raising awareness and finding help for domestic violence.
• Healthy Lung Month: Many organizations have joined forces to observe October as Healthy Lung Month. It aims to educate the public about the importance of lung health. The Lung Health Institute have a range of resources.
• National ADHD Awareness Month: Learn more about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and how to find resources and support for it here.
• National Dental Hygiene Month: The American Dental Hygienists’ Association and the Wrigley Oral Healthcare Program have been driving this initiative since 2009.
• National Down Syndrome Awareness Month: Various organizations are involved in this month, including the National Association for Down Syndrome and the National Down Syndrome Society.
• Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month: The Star Legacy Foundation educate about healthy pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth prevention.
• Spina Bifida Awareness Month: The Spina Bifida Association are the go-to organization for information and resources; they have a National Resource Center.
• Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month: The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development have been key to this month being observed. The Safe to Sleep campaign provides essential information.

November

American Diabetes Month

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) claim that people first observed National Diabetes Month in 1975. Organizations come together to launch initiatives, run campaigns, and increase awareness efforts.

How to get involved: There are numerous online resources to help educate. The ADA also have a Facebook page.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month

The month of November brings together the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease community to give greater visibility to the condition. The NHLBI have lots of resources and advice available about the month and education initiatives.

How to get involved: Johns Hopkins Medicine have their own awareness month page.

Other awareness campaigns

• Bladder Health Month: Various patient advocacy groups helped create Bladder Health Month. For more information, visit the Urology Care Foundation.
• Diabetic Eye Disease Month: This campaign aims to raise awareness of vision and eye health complications in people with diabetes.
• Lung Cancer Awareness Month: The Lung Cancer Foundation of America is very proactive during this month, as is the American Lung Association. Visit the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition for detailed information and advice.
• National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: There are now numerous events to help people and their carers. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information.
• National Epilepsy Awareness Month: The Epilepsy Foundation have advice on how to make a difference and contribute. Purple is the color to wear to show support.
• National Hospice and Palliative Care Month: The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization and the National PACE Association aim to draw attention to the work of hospices and palliative care workers.
• National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: No Stomach for Cancer aim to push for increased funding and research and empower people living with the condition and their carers. Organizations such as Cancer Research and Cancer Health help publicize the events of the month.

December

HIV and AIDS awareness

December 1 is World AIDS Day, which aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of this disease.

HIV.gov provide a range of resources to help people support and promote this campaign.

Flu vaccine

As winter approaches, it is a good time to think about getting the flu vaccine and encouraging others to do so. Anyone aged 6 months and older can have the vaccine.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is the second week of December. The CDC provide information and tools for raising awareness about the benefits of having a flu vaccine.