Different health awareness campaigns take place in the United States each month. They aim to raise awareness of various health conditions, ranging from National Blood Donor Month in January to National Influenza Vaccination Week in December.
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.
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.
Other awareness campaigns
Other awareness campaigns during January include:
This month also promotes excellence and innovation in research.
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.
How to get involved: This
National Cancer Prevention Month
The American Institute for Cancer Research spearheads 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.
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. - Cervical Cancer Awareness Month: The World Health Organization supports this campaign to raise awareness of preventing cervical cancer and the importance of early detection. The
CDC provides useful resources and information.
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.
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:
National Minority Health Month
This is an effort to build awareness about the disproportionate burden of premature death and illness in minority populations.
How to get involved: There are resources at this website.
World Autism Acceptance Month
The National Autism Society provides information and resources to help communities be more aware of and involved in autism and promote its acceptance.
How to get involved: Click here to find out more about Autism Acceptance 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 join 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 has also created a free cancer prevention kit. - National Child Abuse Prevention Month: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services supports the campaign and uses 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 provides information, advocacy, and much more.
- National Parkinson’s Awareness Month: The Parkinson’s Foundation shares videos throughout April addressing key Parkinson’s disease topics.
- Oral Cancer Awareness Month: The Head and Neck Cancer Alliance promotes Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Month. Hospitals, clinics, and medical centers host free screenings to help detect these cancers early and improve survival rates.
- Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month: The National Sexual Violence Resource Center coordinates 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 (STI) testing and education is highlighted in April. The American Sexual Health Association has lots of great ideas and advice.
- Stress Awareness Month: The Health Resource Network sponsors this campaign to highlight causes of and cures for modern-day stress. The Office of Human Resources provides information and advice.
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: This website has plenty of information about 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 has more information.
Mental Health Awareness Month
MHA is the leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to helping people with mental health issues and promoting overall mental health. It also has 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 has Instagram and Facebook pages. Anyone wishing to offer financial support can donate here.
Older Americans Month
The Administration for Community Living leads 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 has a selection of
resources . - Lupus Awareness Month: The Lupus Foundation of America is a driving force behind this campaign, with numerous ideas and resources on how to raise awareness.
- National Arthritis Awareness Month: The Arthritis Foundation provides education and information about 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.
- National Celiac Disease Awareness Month: The Celiac Disease Foundation partners with many organizations to drive this campaign. Beyond Celiac provides information around the campaign.
- High blood pressure education month: The CDC sponsors this event, and the
NHLBI recognizes it. It attempts to raise awareness about the impact of hypertension. TheAmerican Heart Association (AHA) has extensive resources. - National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month: The Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation promotes good bone health through the prevention, detection, and treatment of osteoporosis.
- American Stroke Month: The
National Stroke Association runs 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.
Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
The Alzheimer’s Association provides 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
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 coordinates 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 awareness of the warning signs and latest treatment options.
- National Safety Month: The National Safety Council promotes 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 drives 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 theCDC . Find out morehere . - Scoliosis Awareness Month: The Scoliosis Research Society campaigns to raise awareness about detecting and treating scoliosis early and the importance of community support for people with the condition.
- National Scleroderma Awareness Month: The Scleroderma Foundation aims 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 them to seek help and support for health issues. Learn more here.
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.
International Group B Strep Throat Awareness Month
How to get involved: Campaigns are active across Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms.
Other awareness campaigns
Other awareness campaigns during July include:
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month: This campaign aims to raise awareness that children can have arthritis, even though the condition is often associated with older adults. Learn more at the Arthritis Foundation’s website.
- 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.
National Breastfeeding Month
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
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. This awareness month aims to educate people about diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life issues.
- Psoriasis Action Month: The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) created a Psoriasis Action Month so people living with the condition can honor and recognize each other. The NPF have a strong presence on Facebook and other social media platforms.
Pain Awareness Month
The American Chronic Pain Association spearhead 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
How to get involved: People can talk with 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. Social media posts and digital resources are available to download here.
- 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 the
National Institute on Aging for more information. - National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month: This campaign seeks to raise awareness and educate people about atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular or rapid heartbeat. The Heart Rhythm Society provides 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 U.S. Department of Agriculture has more information.
- National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Organizations such as the Men’s Health Network sponsor events related to this campaign, alongside the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Zero Prostate Cancer provides more information.
- National Recovery Month: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration aims 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 drives this campaign and has 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 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance.
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome Awareness Month: This was created to increase awareness and education of polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS, formerly PCOS), as there is currently no cure for it. PCOS/PMOS 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 offers fact sheets, interviews, and perspectives on sexual health.
National Down Syndrome Awareness Month
Various organizations are involved in this month, which is an opportunity to raise awareness and celebrate the abilities of people with Down Syndrome.
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.
Other awareness campaigns
Other awareness campaigns during October include:
American Diabetes Month
How to get involved: The ADA have a toolkit to help people affected by diabetes to share their stories and raise awareness .
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Awareness Month
How to get involved: The COPD Foundation has details about getting involved and donating.
Other awareness campaigns
- Bladder Health Month: Various patient advocacy groups helped create Bladder Health Month. For more information, visit the American Urogynecologic Society.
- Diabetes-related Eye Disease Awareness Month: This campaign aims to raise awareness of vision and eye health complications in people with diabetes. Find information here.
- Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Visit the Lung Cancer Awareness Month Coalition or the American Association for Cancer Research for details.
- National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month: Numerous events aim to help people affected by Alzheimer’s. Visit the Alzheimer’s Association website for more information.
- National Epilepsy Awareness Month: The Epilepsy Foundation has advice on how to make a difference and contribute. Purple is the color to wear to show support.
- National Care at Home Month: Organizations such as the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization aim to draw attention to the work of home care providers.
- National Stomach Cancer Awareness Month: No Stomach for Cancer aims to push for increased funding and research and empower people living with the condition and their carers.
HIV and AIDS awareness
December 1 is World AIDS Day, which aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote understanding of this disease.
How to get involved: HIV.gov provides 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
National Influenza Vaccination Week is the second week of December. The
