Health Observances and Recognition Events

The following information is provided by the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development of the American Hospital Association.

May
1-31: National Arthritis Awareness Month - Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.. For more information, contact: Arthritis Foundation; 404.965.7595 or www.arthritis.org.

1-31: Lupus Awareness Month - The goal is to increase awareness of lupus, especially among populations at highest risk of developing the disease -- young women of childbearing age, African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asians, Native American, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians. For more information, contact: Lupus Foundation of America; 202.349.1155 or www.lupus.org.

1-31: Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month - Raises awareness about skin cancer and encourages Americans to practice sun-safe behaviors. For more information, contact: American Academy of Dermatology; www.spotskincancer.org.

1-31: Mental Health Month - The goal of Mental Health Month is to educate the public about mental health conditions and the importance of mental health to overall health and wellness. For more information, contact: Mental Health America; 703.797.2588 or www.mentalhealthamerica.net.

1-31: Oncology Nursing Month - Oncology nurses are caregivers with clinical knowledge and technical expertise, but they're also much more than that. For more information, contact: Oncology Nursing Society; 412.859.6100 or www.ons.org.

1-31: National Osteoporosis Month - Aims for the public and health care professionals to take action and request a bone density test for anyone age 50 or older who suffer a bone break. For more information, contact: National Osteoporosis Foundation; 800.231.4222 or www.nof.org.

1-31: National Stroke Awareness Month - The goal is to raise public awareness about the full continuum of stroke by managing stroke risk factors, better understanding stroke sympton recognition and response, and improving the quality of life during stroke recovery for millions of stroke survivors in the U.S.. For more information, contact: National Stroke Association; 303.754.0919 or www.stroke.org.

1-31: National Trauma Awareness Month - Established to educate the public and politicians on trauma: what it is, what causes it, how it must be treated, and how it can be prevented. For more information, contact: American Trauma Society; 800.556.7890 or www.amtrauma.org.

6-12: National Nurses Week - This event celebrates the critical work that nurses provide to improve health care delivery around the world. For more information, contact: Society of Pediatric Nurses; 414.908.4950 or www.pedsnurses.org.

12-18: National Alcohol and Other Drug-Related Birth Defects Week - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are the leading cause of preventable mental retardation and the most serious form of drug-related birth defects. For more information, contact: National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc.; 212.269.7797, ext. 19 or www.ncadd.org.

12-18: National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week - Raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of anxiety and depressive illnesses and to assist individuals in finding help. For more information, contact: Freedom From Fear; 718.351.1717, ext. 19 or www.freedomfromfear.org.

12-18: National Hospital Week - A celebration of the history, technology, and dedicated professionals that make hospitals beacons of confidence and care. For more information, contact: Texas Hospital Association; 512.465.1581 or www.nationalhospitalweek.com.

12-18: National Nursing Home Week - A time to honor the residents and patients for contributions to the community and recognize staff for their compassionate caring and dedication to caring for vulnerable populations. For more information, contact: American Health Care Association; 202.898.2814 or www.nnhw.org.

12-18: National Women's Health Week - Brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women's health. For more information, visit: www.womenshealth.gov/whw.

19-25: National Emergency Medical Services Week - Educate the public about EMS, injury prevention and what to do in an emergency. For more information, contact: American College of Emergency Physicians; 972.550.0911, ext. 3261 or www.acep.org/emsweek.

6: National Children's Mental Awareness Day - Raises awareness about the fact that positive mental health is essential to a child's healthy development from birth. For more information, contact: Caring for Every Child's Mental Health Campaign Team; www.samhsa.gov/children.

12: National Fibromyalgia Awareness Day - Seeks to help patients and organizations educate the general public, health care professionals, government officials, and legislative bodies. For more information, contact: National Fibromyalgia & Chronic Pain Association; www.fmcpaware.org.