MONTH-LONG OBSERVANCES
Contact Lens Safety Month Dental Hygiene Month (National) Disability Employment Awareness
Month (National)
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Health Literacy Month
Medical Librarians Month (National) Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month Patient-Centered Care
Awareness Month Pharmacists Month (American)
Physical Therapy Month (National) “Talk About Your Medicines” Month
WEEK-LONG OBSERVANCES
2–8 Mental Illness Awareness Week
6–12 Physician Assistants Week (National) 6–12 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week 6–12 Healthcare Security and Safety Week 6–12 Nuclear Medicine and Molecular
Imaging Week
7–13 Healthcare Supply Chain
Week (National)
13–19 Nephrology Technicians/Technologists Recognition Week (National)
15–21 Radon Action Week (National)
20–26 Health Care Facilities and Engineering Week (National)
21–25 Medical Assistants Recognition Week 20–26 Respiratory Care Week (National) 20–26 National Healthcare Quality Week
RECOGNITION DAYS | EVENTS
12 Arthritis Day (World)
17 Healthcare Security and Safety Officer Appreciation Day
22 Stuttering Awareness Day (International)
29 Psoriasis Day (World)
1–31 | Contact Lens Safety Month Approximately 41 million U.S. residents wear contact lenses. Prevent Blindness provides
tips and information on how to obtain, use and care for contact lenses safely.
For more information, contact: Prevent Blindness 800.331.2020 | info@preventblindness.org www.preventblindness.org | @PBA_SavingSight
1–31 Dental Hygiene Month (National)
National Dental Hygiene Month is a time to increase public awareness about the
importance of maintaining good oral hygiene practices and to celebrate dental hygienists as prevention specialists and oral health educators for the public.
For more information, contact: Communications Division | American Dental Hygienists’ Association 312.440.8900 | communications@adha.net www.adha.org | @youradha | #NDHM2019
1–31 Disability Employment Awareness Month (National)
National Disability Employment Awareness Month is commemorated annually in October. Enacted by Congress in 1945,
it has become the kick-off month for year- round programs nationwide that highlight the value people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
For more information, contact: Carol Dunlap ODEP | 202.693.7902 | dunlap.carol@dol.gov www.dol.gov/odep
1–31 Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
Each October, Domestic Violence Awareness Month is recognized to bring awareness
to the intersectional nature of domestic violence and to connect advocates who work to end violence. Awareness + Action = Social Change.
For more information, contact: Domestic Violence Awareness Project | National Resource Center
on Domestic Violence | 800.537.2238, x-106; 717.991.9405 | nrcdvta@nrcdv.org www.nrcdv.org/dvam | @NRCDV | #DVAM2019
1–31 | Health Literacy Month Health Literacy Month brings attention to the importance of understandable health
information. This annual, worldwide, awareness event was founded in 1999. Over the years health care organizations, community services, health literacy coalitions, government agencies, literacy programs, universities and others have hosted a wide range of Health Literacy Month events, including how-to workshops for professionals, wellness programs for patients and the public, and educational offerings for students at all levels.
For more information, contact: Beth Scott Institute for Healthcare Advancement 562.690.4001 | bscott@iha4health.org www.iha4health.org | @ihahealthlit | #ihahlc
1–31 Medical Librarians Month (National)
The Medical Library Association created National Medical Librarians Month to bring awareness to the vital role of the health sciences information professional. With
the massive amount of health information available online, patients, clinical staff and medical students need the specialized services of medical librarians now more than ever.
For more information, contact: Tomi Gunn MLA | 312.419.9094 | gunn@mail.mlahq.org www.mlanet.org | #NMLM
1–31 Medical Ultrasound
Awareness Month
Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month is held annually in October to create
awareness and to educate the public about medical ultrasound and its many uses in health care. The month-long celebration
is a joint effort of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, American
Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, American Society of Echocardiography, Cardiovascular Credentialing International, Society for Vascular Ultrasound and Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography.
For more information, contact: Kelly Stafford SDMS | 214.473.8057 | kstafford@sdms.org www.sdms.org | @TheSDMS | #MUAM19
1–31 Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month
Patient-Centered Care Awareness Month is an awareness-building campaign commemorated globally every October to engage all health care stakeholders in adopting and advancing person-centered approaches to care. This year campaign
activities will equip patients, family members, health care professionals and communities with skills and tools that will deepen and strengthen their partnerships.
For more information, contact: Sara Guastello Planetree International | 203.732.7171 sguastello@planetree.org | www.planetree.org @PCCAM
1–31 Pharmacists Month (American)
There are more ways to celebrate American Pharmacists Month than there are days
in October. The American Pharmacists Association has compiled ideas for activities and events that spotlight pharmacists’ contributions toward improving medication use and advancing patient care in all
practice settings. Use these ideas throughout October—and all year long—to inspire
your celebrations.
For more information, contact: APhA www.pharmacist.com/american-pharmacists-month
1–31 Physical Therapy Month (National)
National Physical Therapy Month is celebrated by the American Physical Therapy Association each October to recognize how physical therapists and physical therapist assistants can transform people’s lives by restoring and improving motion.
For more information, contact: Public Relations Department | APTA | 703.706.3216
public-relations@apta.org www.moveforwardpt.com | @MoveForwardPT #ChoosePT
1–31 “Talk About Your Medicines” Month
The Be MedWise Program of Needy Meds is hosting the 34rd annual “Talk About Your Medicines” Month (TAYMM) observance. TAYMM highlights the important role that high-quality communication between the health care provider and the patient can play in promoting safe and appropriate medicine use, improved medication adherence and better health outcomes.
The Be MedWise Program mission (formerly the National Council on Patient Information and Education works to promote the
wise use of medicines through trusted communication for better health.
For more information, contact: Deborah Davidson NCPIE | 301.340.3940 | ddavidson@ncpie.info www.bemedwise.org | @TweetNCPIE | #TAYMM
2–8 Mental Illness Awareness Week
Held each year during the first full week of October, Mental Illness Awareness Week is a grassroots effort of the National
Alliance on Mental Illness to broaden public awareness and understanding of mental illness, eliminate stigma, and offer support for treatment and recovery. Local events include organized walks, candlelight vigils, presentations and films.
For more information, contact: Maria Jose Carrasco National Alliance on Mental Illness | 703.524.7600 mcarrasco@nami.org | www.nami.org/miaw or www.facebook.com/nami
6–12 Physician Assistants Week (National)
National Physician Assistants Week celebrates the profession and its contribu- tions to the nation’s health. Before it was a week-long event, National PA Day was first celebrated on Oct. 6, 1987, in honor of the 20th anniversary of the first graduating class of physician assistants from the Duke University PA program. This year marks the 51st anniversary of the PA profession. For more information, contact: Berit Mansour American Academy of PAs | 571.319.4394 communications@aapa.org | www.paweek.com @AAPAorg | #PAWeek #YourPACan
6–12 Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
In 1985 U.S. Congress declared the first week in October to be a time to recognize the role of foodservice staff in helping patients and health care employees stay well-nourished and healthy. The importance of excellent nutrition has been established and well- documented, but it is even more critical to individuals in health care facilities. This week is an excellent opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated individuals who provide food and nutrition services in health care.
For more information, contact: Kent Hamaker Association for Healthcare Foodservice 703.662.0615 | khamaker@healthcarefoodservice.org www.healthcarefoodservice.org
@AHFNetwork | #AHF #SelfOperated
6–12 Healthcare Security and Safety Week
During Healthcare Security and Safety Week and throughout the year, the International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety celebrates the role of security and safety professionals in providing health care facilities, personnel, patients and visitors a secure environment. This week is set aside to recognize the importance of security
and acknowledges the strong commitment, diligence and care officers display in their practice and profession.
For more information, contact: Colleen Kucera International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety | 630.529.3913 | colleen@iahss.org | www.iahss.org | @iahss | #HSSW2019
6–12 Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week
Celebrated during the first full week of October, Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Week encourages community members to take pride in their profession, recognize their colleagues for their hard work, and promote nuclear medicine to the medical community and public.
For more information, contact: Paul Hamel Society of Nuclear Medicine & Molecular Imaging 703.652.6786 | phamel@snmmi.org www.snmmi.org/nmw | #NucMed19
7–13 Healthcare Supply Chain Week (National)
Each year, the first week of October is dedicated to celebrating health care supply chain professionals for their outstanding contributions to health care and the overall success of the supply chain. Sponsored by the Association for Healthcare Resource and Materials Management (AHRMM), National Healthcare Supply Chain Week provides an opportunity to recognize the integral role supply chain professionals play in delivering high-quality patient care throughout the health care field.
For more information, contact: AHRMM American Hospital Association | 312.422.3850 ahrmm@aha.org | www.ahrmm.org/scweek @AHRMMtweets | #SCWeek
12 | Arthritis Day (World)
World Arthritis Day, established in 1996, is observed each year on Oct. 12. Coordinated in the United States by the Arthritis Foundation, the event joins together people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases from around the world to raise awareness and reduce the impact of arthritis.
For more information, contact: Claire Villines Arthritis Foundation | 404.872.7100 cvillines@arthritis.org | www.arthritis.org @ArthritisFdn @ArthritisFoundation
17 Healthcare Security and Safety Officer Appreciation Day
The International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety honors health care security and safety officers for their service in protecting health care facilities, personnel, patients, and visitors. This appreciation
day recognizes the important role of the health care security and safety officer, and acknowledges the strong commitment, diligence, and care they display in their practice and profession.
For more information, contact: Colleen Kucera IAHSS | 630.529.3913 | colleen@iahss.org www.iahss.org | @iahss | #HSSW2019
13–19 Nephrology Technicians/ Technologists Recognition Week
This week-long event is celebrated to increase awareness of nephrology
professionals involved in patient care, dialyzer reuse, equipment maintenance, kidney transplantation and administrative areas. The celebration recognizes the contributions dialysis professionals make to the health care field and to their patients’ quality of life.
For more information, contact: National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists 937.586.3705 | nant@meinet.com www.DialysisTech.net
20–26 Health Care Facilities
and Engineering Week (National)
This observance recognizes the important role that the health care facility team
plays in ensuring safe and functional environments for patients, visitors and staff. The contributions made by these individuals are critical to the health care team and in optimizing the health care physical environment.
For more information, contact: ASHE | American Hospital Association | 312.422.3800 | ashe@aha.org www.ashe.org/engineeringwk/index.shtml @ASHEAHA | #HealthEngWeek
20–26 Respiratory Care Week (National)
During National Respiratory Care Week, respiratory therapists celebrate their fast- growing profession while raising awareness of lung health. Local events include lung health education programs aimed at encouraging early detection of lung disease, particularly asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
For more information, contact: Heather Willden American Association for Respiratory Care 972.243.2272 info@aarc.org | www.aarc.org @aarc_tweets | #RCWeek
20–26 National Healthcare
Quality Week
This week is dedicated to celebrating the contributions professionals have made in health care quality and bringing greater
awareness to the profession of health care quality.
For more information, contact: Mary Ann M. Rausa National Association for Healthcare Quality 312.579.3042 | marausa@nahq.org www.nahq.org/about/healthcare-quality-week @mynahq | #HQW2019
22 Stuttering Awareness Day (International)
International Stuttering Awareness Day is a special time to educate both the public and professionals about stuttering, and the many effective options available for those who stutter.
For more information, contact: Joan Warner The Stuttering Foundation of America 800.992.9392 | jfraser@stutteringhelp.org
www.stutteringhelp.org | @stutteringfdn | #ISAD19
21–25 Medical Assistants
Recognition Week
Registered medical assistants and the American Medical Technologists (AMT) will be celebrating Medical Assistants Recognition Week in October. Please join AMT in promoting this important event that recognizes medical assisting’s vital role, contributions and efforts in health care, and help us begin raising awareness of the profession today.
For more information, contact: Cathie Casey American Medical Technologists | 847.939.3376 mail@americanmedtech.org www.americanmedtech.org | @americanmedtech #AMTMarWeek
29 | Psoriasis Day (World) Conceived by patients for patients, World Psoriasis Day is a global event that sets
out to give an international voice to the 125 million people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. On Oct. 29, the International Federation of Psoriasis Associations, its member associations and support groups perform activities all over the world to raise awareness about psoriasis and to give people with psoriasis the attention and consideration they deserve.
For more information, contact: National Psoriasis Foundation | 800.723.9166 | info@ifpa-pso.com www.ifpa-pso.com/ | @PsoriasisIFPA | #WPD19