Health and Disability Awareness Days, Weeks and Months

Published: 2011-04-30 (Revised/Updated 2018-03-15) : Author: Disabled World : Contact: disabled-world.com

Synopsis: List of U.S. National and U.N. International commemorative observance and awareness days, weeks, months to commemorate medical research or ethical cause of importance.

Awareness Dates: An awareness date is defined as a national or international awareness day, week, or month, and is a date, usually set by a major organization or government, to commemorate medical research, or ethical cause of importance, on a national or international level.

Main Document

"Some information courtesy of National Health Observances, National Health Information Center, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC."

Throughout the year organizations support a variety of initiatives to raise awareness and understanding for key health issues around the world. Awareness days, weeks and months engage the public in important health information.

A national or international awareness day, week, or month is a date usually set by a major organization or government to commemorate a medical research or ethical cause of importance on a national or international level. Usually awareness dates are health related, and help raise awareness of health conditions, medical illnesses, cancer types etc. Often based around these dates many charities collect money in the form of donations and fund raising. There are also other organizations and foundations around the world that declare both national and international observances, although these are not always as widely recognized.

We hope this calendar will be of use to teachers, organizations, and persons seeking forward planning resources, launch dates, events, and charity donation campaigns, across a wide range of categories and event types.

Also See: List of Awareness Ribbon Colors

List of U.S. & International Observance Dates (Health, Medical & Disability Related)
Jump To: Jan -- Feb -- Mar -- Apr -- May -- June July -- Aug -- Sep -- Oct -- Nov -- Dec
Awareness Dates for January
January is Awareness Month For:
Alzheimer's Awareness Month - (Canada - Alzheimer Society) Awareness Month Awareness Month Celebration of Life Month Co-dependency Awareness Month - (U.S.) Constipation awareness month - (U.S.) Glaucoma Awareness Month - (U.S.) National Mentoring Month - (U.S.) Ontario March of Dimes Month - (Canada) Poverty in America Awareness Month - (U.S.) Radon Action Month Self-Help Group Awareness Month Stalking Awareness Month - (U.S.) Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month - (U.S.) Volunteer Blood Donor Month - (U.S.) Weight Loss Awareness Month
Awareness Days in January:
January 1 - Global Family Day - formerly One Day of Peace and Sharing - (UN) January 2 - Personal Trainer Awareness Day January 1 - World Day of Peace January 4 - World Braille Day - International January 24 - Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day January 27 - Family Literacy Day - ABC Life Literacy Canada January 27 - Holocaust Remembrance Day - (UN) - (International) January 28 - Young Carers Awareness Day (U.K.) January 30 - CTE Awareness Day (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) January 31 - World Leprosy Day - (International) January 31 - Street Children's Day
Awareness Weeks in January:
3rd Wk - National Non-Smoking Week - Canada - Canadian Council on Smoking and Health 3rd Wed - Weedless Wednesday - Canada - Canadian Council on Smoking and Health
Awareness Dates for February
February is Awareness Month For:
Black History Month - (U.S. and Canada) Boost-Your-Self-Esteem Month - (U.S.) Children's Dental Health Month - (U.S.) Heart & Stroke Month - (U.S.) - Heart and Stroke Foundation Human Relations Month International Mother Language Day Month
Awareness Days in February:
February 2 - Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Day February 4 - World Cancer Day February 6 - International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation - (International) February 11 - World Day of the Sick - (International) February 12 - Sexual and Reproductive Health Awareness Day February 12 - International Day of Women's Health - (International) February 13 - Breast Implant Illness Awareness Day February 14 - Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day - (Canada) February 14 - World Valentine Day - (International) February 15 - International Childhood Cancer Day - (International) February 20 - World Day of Social Justice (Recognized by the UN) - (International) February 21 - International Mother Language Day - (UN) - (International) February 22 - National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day (U.S.) February 27 - Anosmia Awareness Day February 28 (29th in leap year) - Rare Disease Day
Awareness Weeks in February:
February 26 - March 4, 2017 was Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF) Awareness Week. (Planning for Leak Week 2018 is underway.) 1st Wk - Eating Disorder Awareness Week; National; National Eating Disorder Information Center 1st Wk - International Development Week; National; CIDA 1st Wk - National Therapeutic Recreation Week 1st Wk - White Cane Week; National; Canadian Council of the Blind 2nd Wk - World Orphan Week; International; SOS Children's Villages Canada Last Wed - Pink Shirt Day (Anti-bullying) - Canada - Pink Shirt Day
Awareness Dates for March
March is Awareness Month For:
American Red Cross Month - (U.S.) Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month - (U.S.) Color Therapy Month - (U.S.) Caffeine Awareness Month - (U.S.) Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month DVT - (Deep Vein Thrombosis) Prevention Awareness Month Developmental Disabilities Month Endometriosis Awareness Month Epilepsy Month - (Epilepsy Canada) Easter Seals Month - (Ontario, Canada) Essential Tremor - (U.S.) Foot Health Month Help Fight Liver Disease Month Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month - (Canada) Kidney Month - (Kidney Foundation of Canada) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month - (U.S.) Music in Our Schools Month National Athletic Training Month (U.S.) Nutrition Month - (U.S.) Polio Awareness Month - (Polio Canada) Red Cross Month - (Canadian Red Cross) Reading Awareness Month - (U.S.) Self-Injury Awareness Month - (U.S.) Social Workers Month - (U.S.) Trisomy Awareness month Women's History Month
Awareness Days in March:
March 1 - International Wheelchair Day March 1 - Self-Injury Awareness Day March 5 - Multiple Personality Day March 6 - National Lymphedema Awareness Day March 8 - United Nations Day for Women's Rights and International Peace - (UN) March 8 - International Women's Day - (UN) March 10 - National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day March 12 - World Glaucoma Day March 14 - International Day of Action for Rivers March 15 - National Agriculture Day (US) March 16 - Brain Injury Awareness Day (Global) March 18 - National Trisomy 18 Awareness Day March 20 - International Day of Happiness March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day March 21 - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination March 21 - World Poetry Day - (UN - UNESCO) March 21 - International Day of Nowruz March 24 - International Day for Achievers March 24 - World Tuberculosis Day - (UN) March 25 - U.S. National Cerebral Palsy Awareness day March 26 - Purple Day for Epilepsy March 27 - AFE Awareness Day - An international day uniting those affected by Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE)
Awareness Weeks in March:
1st Wk - Pharmacy Awareness Week - Canadian Pharmacists Association 1st Wk - Lymphedema Awareness Week - BC Lymphedema Association 1st Wk - World Glaucoma Awareness Week - World Glaucoma Week 2nd Wk - Canadian Agricultural Safety Week - Canadian Federation of Agriculture 2nd Wk - National Social Work Week - Canadian Association of Social Workers 3rd Wk - Crisis Line Awareness Week - BC Crisis Line Association
Awareness Dates for April
April is Awareness Month For:
30-hour Famine - (U.S.) Alcohol Awareness Month American Cancer Society Month - (U.S.) Autism awareness Month - (Canada & U.S.) Child Abuse Prevention Month - (U.S.) Community Service Month Earth Month - (Canada & U.S.) Financial Literacy Month Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Awareness Month Jazz Appreciation Month Limb Loss Awareness Month Mathematics Awareness Month Narz Awareness Month - (U.S.) Oral Health Month - (U.S.) Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month Primary Immunodeficiency Awareness Month - (U.S.) Poetry Month - (U.S.) Sarcoidosis Awareness Month Sexual Assault Awareness Month Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Awareness Month Stress Awareness Month Testicular Cancer Volunteer Appreciation Month
Awareness Days in April:
April 1 - Youth Homelessness Matters Day April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day - (UN) April 4 - Auditory Processing Disorder Awareness Day April 6 - Bohring-Opitz Syndrome (International) April 7 - World Health Day - (UN) April 7 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Rwanda Genocide April 8 - National Gifted Education Awareness Day in Ireland April 8 - Cushing Disease/Syndrome Awareness Day April 9 - National Alcohol Screening Day - (NASD) April 10 - National Youth HIV and AIDS Awareness Day April 11 - Parkinson's Disease International Awareness Day. April 12 - International Day for Street Children April 13 - Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Awareness Day (International) April 16 - National Stress Awareness Day April 17 - World Hemophilia Day - (UN) April 19 - Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Action Day April 22 - Earth Day April 23 - Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) Awareness Day April 25 - World Meningitis Day April 25 - World Malaria Day - (WHO) April 25 - Parental Alienation Awareness Day - (PAAD) April 28 - International Workers Memorial Day or International Commemoration Day - (ICD) April 29 - Make-A-Wish Day (International) April 29 - Day of Remembrance of Victims of Chemical Warfare April 29 - World Primary Immunodeficiency Day (Canada) April 29 - International Noise Awareness Day
Awareness Weeks in April:
2nd Saturday of April - Sarcoidosis Awareness Day Last Saturday in April - Show Your Mettle Day - Awareness day to encourage amputees to show their metal (prosthetic devices, wheel chairs, etc). April 11-18 - National Porphyria Awareness Week (NPAW) to enhance porphyria awareness in communities by spreading the word about porphyria. April 12-18 - Oral, Head and Neck Cancer Awareness Week. 13 - 19 - National Dental Hygiene Week; National; Canadian Dental Hygienists Association 20- 27 - National Organ Donor Awareness Week 2nd Wk - World Homeopathy Awareness Week 3rd Wk - National Medical Laboratory Week; National 3rd Wk - National Volunteer Week; National; Volunteer Canada
Awareness Dates for May
May is Awareness Month For:
ALS Awareness Month - (U.S.) Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Asthma Awareness Month Arthritis Month Allergy/Asthma Awareness Month Better Sleep Month Better Speech and Hearing Month Bike Month - (U.S.) Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month Brain Tumor Awareness Month Cystic fibrosis Awareness Month (Australia and U.S.) Celiac Awareness Month Correct Posture Month Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) Fibromyalgia Awareness Foot Health Month Foster Care Month - (U.S.) Guide Dog Month - (U.S.) Haitian Heritage Month Hepatitis Awareness Month High Blood Pressure Month - (U.S.) Huntington's Disease Awareness Month - (U.S.) Jewish American Heritage Month Lupus Awareness Month Lyme Disease Awareness Month Mental Health Month Military Appreciation Month Mobility Awareness Month Motorcycle Awareness Month Older Americans Month - (U.S.) Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Month - (Canada) Physical Fitness and Sports Month Stroke Awareness Month - (U.S.)
Awareness Days in May:
Misophonia awareness day falls on the first Monday in May, and is known as Misophonia Monday May 1 - Global Mesh Awareness Day May 2 - International Scurvy Awareness Day May 3 - Start of Brain Tumor Action Week May 5 - Cri du Chat Syndrome Day (www.fivepminus.org) May 5 - International Midwives Day May 5 - Ependymoma Awareness Day May 5 - National Childhood Stroke Awareness Day May 5 - World Asthma Day May 6 - World Moyamoya Day May 7 - National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day May 6 - International Awareness Day for Osteogenesis Imperfecta (Brittle Bones) May 7 - Bladder Cancer Awareness Day May 8 - World Ovarian Cancer Awareness Day May 8 - World Red Cross & Red Crescent Day May 10 - World Lupus Day May 12 - International Nurses Day May 12 - International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND) May 14 - Childhood Speech Apraxia Awareness Day May 15 - International Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) Awareness Day May 15 - International Day of Families - (UN) May 17 - Worldwide Neurofibromatosis (NF) Awareness Day May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia May 18 - International AIDS Vaccine Day May 18 - International AIDS Candlelight Memorial May 19 - World Hepatitis Day May 19 - Schizencephaly Awareness Day May 20 - International Behcet's Disease Awareness Day May 20 - International Blue Cone Monochromacy awareness day May 20 - World Autoimmune Arthritis Day May 21 - Global Accessibility Awareness Day May 22 - International Day for Biological Diversity - (UN) May 23 - International Day to End Obstetric Fistula May 24 - Schizophrenia awareness day (Canada) May 25 - World Thyroid Day (WTD) May 27 - World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Awareness Day. May 28 - World Hunger Day May 31 - World No Tobacco Day - (UN)
Awareness Weeks in May:
Week surrounding May 5 - International Cri du Chat Syndrome Awareness Week 1st Tuesday of May - World Asthma Day 2nd Sunday of May - International Mothers' Day 2nd Week in May - Williams Syndrome Awareness Week
Awareness Dates for June
June is Awareness Month For:
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS) Awareness Month Audiobook Month Caribbean American Heritage Month Chronic Venous Insufficiency Awareness Month Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Hemiplegic Migraine Awareness Month LGBT Pride Month Men's Health Month National Hunger Awareness Month PTSD Awareness Month
Awareness Days in June:
June 1 - International Children's Day June 1 - World Hypoparathyroidism Awareness June 2 - National Gun Violence Awareness Day June 3 - Telehealthcare Awareness Day June 4 - International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression June 5 - National HIV/AIDS Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day June 6 - Hunger Day June 7 - National Cancer Survivors Day June 8 - World Brain Tumor Day June 11 - Neuropathy Action Awareness Day June 13 - Young Carers Awareness Day (U.K.) June 13 - International Albinism Awareness Day June 14 - World Blood Donor Day - (UN) June 15 - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) June 17 - CDKL5 Worldwide Awareness Day June 18 - Autistic Pride Day June 19 - World Sickle Cell Day - (UN) June 20 - World Refugee Day - (UN) June 21 - Global day of recognition of ALS/MND June 23 - Dravet Syndrome Awareness Day. June 25 - World Vitiligo Awareness Day June 26 - International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking - (UN) June 27 - U.S. National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Day June 29 - Chronic Migraine Awareness Day June 29 - World Scleroderma Awareness Day June 30 - Asteroid Awareness Day June 30 - Arthrogryposis Awareness Day
Awareness Dates for July
July is Awareness Month For:
Disability Pride Month (NY) Fragile X (FXS) Awareness Month National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness & Prevention Month (NCCAPM) Sarcoma Awareness Month - (U.S.)
Awareness Days in July:
July 1 - Doctor's Day - Bidhan Chandra Roy Birthday July 2 - National Corpus Callosum Awareness Day (Australia) July 5 2015 - International Day of Cooperatives (Recognized by the UN first Saturday in July) July 6 - International Kissing Day July 11 - World Population Day July 12 - Disability Awareness Day (DAD) (U.K.) July 12 - Heterochromia Awareness Day July 13 - Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST) Awareness Day July 15 - World Youth Skills Day July 16 - Disability (ADA) Awareness Day July 17 - World Day for International Justice July 18 - Nelson Mandela International Day July 21 - National Farm Safety Awareness Day July 22 - Fragile X Awareness Day (FXS) July 23 - World Sjogren's Day July 24 - National Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Day July 28 - World Hepatitis Day July 30 - Gastroschisis Awareness Day July 30 - International Day of Friendship
Awareness Weeks in July:
Last Friday of July - System Administrator Appreciation Day
Awareness Dates for August
August is Awareness Month For:
Cataract Awareness Month Children's Eye Health and Safety Month Children's Vision and Learning Month Digestive Tract Paralysis (DTP) Month Don't be a Bully Month Immunization Awareness Month Neurosurgery Outreach Month Never Leave a Child Unattended in a Car, Purple Ribbon Month Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Studious Behavior Awareness Month
Awareness Days in August:
August 1 - Clergy Sexual Abuse Awareness Day US & International August 6 - National Fresh Breath Day August 6 - National Wiggle Your Toes Day August 7 - Purple Heart Day August 8 - Happiness Happens Day August 9 - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples August 12 - International Youth Day August 13 - International Left-handers Day August 19 - World Humanitarian Day August 20 - National Honey Bee Day August 21 - National Senior Citizens Day August 30 - International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances August 31 - International Overdose Awareness Day
Awareness Dates for September
September is Awareness Month For:
Alopecia Awareness Month - (U.S.) Arnold-Chiari Malformation Awareness Month Achalasia Awareness Month - achalasiaawareness.org Baby Safety Month - (U.S.) Childhood Cancer Awareness Month - (U.S.) Childhood Obesity Awareness Month - (U.S.) Chiari Awareness Month Cholesterol Awareness Month - (U.S.) Emergency Care Month Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month - (U.S.) Hispanic Heritage Month - (U.S. - Sept. 15 to Oct. 15) Life Insurance Awareness Month - (U.S.) Lymphoma Awareness Month National Guide Dog Month - (U.S.) National Recovery Month - (U.S.) National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month - (U.S.) National Honey Month - (U.S.) National Preparedness Month - (U.S.) Orthostatic Tremor Awareness Month Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month - (U.S.) Pain Awareness Month Polycystic ovary syndrome Awareness Month Prostate Awareness Month Recovery Month - (U.S.) Sight Saving Month - (U.S.) Suicide Prevention Month - (U.S.) Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month - (U.S.) Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month Tumor Awareness Month - (U.S.) Wilderness Month - (U.S.) World Alzheimer's Disease Month Women of Achievement Month
Awareness Days in September:
September 4 - World Cerebral Palsy Day (List of Famous People with Cerebral Palsy) September 5 - International Day of Charity - (U.N.) September 7 - Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy September 8 - National Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Nurses Day September 9 - International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day (FASD) (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Children) September 10 - World Suicide Prevention Day September 11 - Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance (U.S.) September 12 - World First Aid Day (2015) September 13 - Celiac Disease Awareness Day - List of Gluten Free Food and Drink Products September 15 - Pension Awareness Day (U.K.) September 15 - World Lymphoma Awareness Day - Hodgkin's Lymphoma September 16 - National School Backpack Awareness Day September 18 - National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day September 19 - Aortic Dissection Awareness Day September 19 - Usher Syndrome Awareness Day (Global) September 21 - Myositis Awareness Day - Designated by U.S. Congress September 21 - World Alzheimer's Day September 21 - International Day of Peace September 22 - World Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) Day September 23 - Falls Prevention Awareness Day - (First Day of Fall) September 24 - Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS) Awareness Day September 25 - International Ataxia Awareness Day September 26 - Mesothelioma Awareness Day September 27 - National Gay Men's HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NGMHAAD) September 29 - World Heart Day September 28 - World Rabies Day September 30 - Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day
Awareness Weeks in September:
National Rehabilitation Awareness Week - (Actual Date Subject to Change Each Year) Idiopathic Hypersomnia Awareness Week - First week of September - (4th - 10th Sept, 2017)
Awareness Dates for October
October is Awareness Month For:
AIDS Awareness Month - (U.S.) Black History Month - (U.K.) Breast Cancer Awareness Month Bullying Prevention Month - (U.S.) Breast Cancer Awareness Month - (U.S.) Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Month - (U.S.) Colon Cancer Awareness Month Cyber-Security Awareness Month - (U.S.) Dental Hygiene Month - (U.S.) Depression Education and Awareness Month - (U.S.) Disability Employment Awareness Month Diversity Awareness Month Diarrhea Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month - (U.S.) Dwarfism Awareness Month Dysautonomia Awareness Month (www.dysautonomiainternational.org) Eczema Awareness Month Emotional Intelligence Awareness Month - (www.e-ii.org) Energy Awareness Month - (U.S.) Fair Trade Month Fire Prevention Month - (U.S.) Health Care Food Service Month - (U.S.) Hispanic Heritage Month - (Sept. to Oct.) - (U.S.) Hunger Awareness Month International Walk to School Month - (Canada) Infant Loss & Miscarriage Awareness Month - (U.S.) Information Literacy Awareness Month - (U.S.) Italian American Heritage Month - (U.S.) LGBTQ History Month - (U.S.) Lupus Awareness Month Outdoor Lighting Month - (U.S.) Pastor Appreciation Month Polish American Heritage Month Pharmacy Month - (U.S.) Physical Therapy Month - (U.S.) Pit Bull Awareness Month - (U.S.) Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month - (U.S.) Raynaud's Awareness Month Rett Syndrome Awareness Month Selective Mutism Awareness Month Spina Bifida Awareness Month Spina bifida awareness month Work & Family Month - (U.S.) Vaccine Injury Awareness Month - (U.S.) Vegetarian Awareness Month - (U.S.)
Awareness Days in October:
October 1 - International Day of Older Persons - (UN) October 1 - World Vegetarian Day October 2 - World Cerebral Palsy Day October 5 - World Day of Bullying Prevention October 5 - American Veterans Disabled for Life Awareness Day October 7 - International Trigeminal Neuralgia Awareness Day October 7 - Team Margot Stem Cell and Bone Marrow Awareness Day October 7 - World Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day October 8 - World Humanitarian Action Day October 9 - PANDAS / PANS Awareness Day October 10 - World Hospice and Palliative Care Day October 10 - World Mental Health Day October 10 - World Day Against Death Penalty, recognized by the WCADP October 11 - International Day of the Girl Child October 13 - Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day October 14 - Global Food Protein Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) Day October 15 - World Blind Day / World Sight Day October 15 - International Day of Rural Women - (UN) October 15 - Global Hand-washing Day October 15 - National White Cane Safety Day October 15 - Blind Americans Equality Day October 16 - World Food Day - (UN) October 17 - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty - (UN) October 18 - World Vasectomy Day October 20 - World Osteoporosis Day October 21 - Breast Reconstruction Awareness (BRA) Day October 22 - International Stuttering Awareness Day October 24 - World Development Information Day October 24 - United Nations Day October 25 - Spina Bifida Awareness Day October 25 - Hydrocephalus Day October 25 - 31 - International Epidermolysis Bullosa Awareness Week October 26 - Intersex Awareness Day October 27 - World Day for Audiovisual Heritage October 29 - World Stroke Day
Awareness Dates for November
November is Awareness Month For:
Adoption Awareness Month - (U.S.) COPD Awareness Month Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month Alzheimer's Awareness Month Dercum's Disease (Adiposis Dolorosa) Awareness month Diabetes Awareness Month Epilepsy Month Good Nutrition Month Hospice Month Lung Cancer Awareness Month Native American Heritage Month Prematurity Awareness Month Prostate Cancer / Men's Health Awareness month Red Ribbon Month (Anti-drunk-driving) RSD/CRPS Awareness Month Transgender Awareness Month Vegan Awareness Month
Awareness Days in November:
November 1 - World Vegan Day November 1 - Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Awareness Day November 4 - National Stress Awareness Day (NSAD) (U.K.) November 6 - International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict November 7 - Cancer Awareness Day (India) November 8 - Aicardi Syndrome Awareness Day November 9 - World Freedom Day November 10 - World NET Cancer Awareness Day November 10 - World Immunization Day November 11 - Veterans Day - Remembrance Day - Armistice Day November 12 - World Pneumonia Day November 13 - World Pancreatic Cancer Day November 14 - World Diabetes Day - (UN) November 15 - World Ohtahara Syndrome Awareness Day November 16 - International Day for Tolerance - (UN) November 17 - International Students Day November 17 - World Prematurity Day November 18 - World COPD Day November 19 - International Men's Day (IMD) November 20 - Universal Children's Day - (UN) November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance November 21 - World Hello Day November 24 - N24 Awareness Day November 25 - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - (UN) November 30 - Self Harm Awareness Day
Awareness Weeks in November:
National Radiologic Technology Week - Celebrated annually to recognize the vital work of R.T.s across the nation. The celebration takes place each November to commemorate the anniversary of the x-ray's discovery by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. Learn more www.asrt.org/nrtw Third Sunday of November - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims (Recognized by the UN)
Awareness Dates for December
December is Awareness Month For:
AIDS Awareness Month Constipation Awareness Month Universal Human Rights Month
Awareness Days in December:
December 1 - World Aids Day - (UN) December 2 - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities - (UN) December 5 - International Volunteer Day for Economic and Social Development December 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada) December 10 - Human Rights Day - (UN)

International Dates (Observed by the United Nations)
Jump To: U.N. International Days U.N. International Weeks U.N. International Years U.N. International Decades U.S. Presidential Proclamation Days U.S. Presidential Proclamation Weeks U.S. Presidential Proclamation Months
U.N. International Days
January 27 January - International Day of Commemoration in Memory of the Victims of the Holocaust February 4 February - World Cancer Day 6 February - International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation 13 February - World Radio Day 20 February - World Day of Social Justice 21 February - International Mother Language Day March 1 March - Zero Discrimination Day - (UNAIDS) 3 March - World Wildlife Day 8 March - International Women's Day 20 March - International Day of Happiness 21 March - International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 21 March - World Poetry Day - (UNESCO) 21 March - International Day of Nowruz 21 March - World Down Syndrome Day 21 March - International Day of Forests 22 March - World Water Day 23 March - World Meteorological Day 24 March - World Tuberculosis Day 24 March - International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations & for the Dignity of Victims 25 March - International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery & the Transatlantic Slave Trade 25 March - International Day of Solidarity with Detained & Missing Staff Members April 2 April - World Autism Awareness Day 4 April - International Day for Mine Awareness & Assistance in Mine Action 6 April - International Day of Sport for Development & Peace 7 April - International Day of Reflection on the Genocide in Rwanda 7 April - World Health Day - (WHO) 12 April - International Day of Human Space Flight 22 April - International Mother Earth Day 23 April - World Book & Copyright Day 23 April - English Language Day 24 - 30 April - World Immunization Week - (WHO) 25 April - World Malaria Day - (WHO) 26 April - World Intellectual Property Day - (WIPO) 28 April - World Day for Safety & Health at Work 29 April - Day of Remembrance for all Victims of Chemical Warfare 30 April - International Jazz Day May 3 May - World Press Freedom Day 8-9 May - Time of Remembrance & Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives During the Second World War 9-10 May - World Migratory Bird Day - (UNEP) 15 May - International Day of Families 17 May - World Telecommunication & Information Society Day - (ITU) 21 May - World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialog & Development 22 May - International Day for Biological Diversity 23 May - International Day to End Obstetric Fistula 29 May - International Day of UN Peacekeepers 31 May - World No-Tobacco Day - (WHO) June 1 June - Global Day of Parents 1 June - "Vesak", the Day of the Full Moon 4 June - International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression 5 June - World Environment Day - (UNEP) 6 June - Russian Language Day at the UN - (in Russian) 8 June - World Oceans Day 12 June - World Day Against Child Labour 13 June - International Albinism Awareness Day 14 June - World Blood Donor Day - (WHO) 15 June - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 17 June - World Day to Combat Desertification & Drought 20 June - World Refugee Day 21 June - International Day of Yoga 23 June - United Nations Public Service Day 23 June - International Widows' Day 25 June - Day of the Seafarer - (IMO) 26 June - International Day against Drug Abuse & Illicit Trafficking 26 June - United Nations International Day in Support of Victims of Torture July 4 July - (first Saturday in July) - International Day of Cooperatives 11 July - World Population Day 15 July - World Youth Skills Day 18 July - Nelson Mandela International Day 28 July - World Hepatitis Day - (WHO) 30 July - International Day of Friendship 30 July - World Day against Trafficking in Persons August 9 August - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 12 August - International Youth Day 19 August - World Humanitarian Day 23 August - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade & Its Abolition - (UNESCO) 29 August - International Day against Nuclear Tests 30 August - International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances September 5 September - International Day of Charity 8 September - International Literacy Day - (UNESCO) 12 September - United Nations Day for South-South Cooperation 15 September - International Day of Democracy 16 September - International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer 21 September - International Day of Peace 25 September - (last week of September) - World Maritime Day - (IMO) 26 September - International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons 27 September - World Tourism Day October 1 October - International Day of Older Persons 2 October - International Day of Non-Violence 5 October - World Teachers Day - (UNESCO) 5 October - (first Monday in October) - World Habitat Day 9 October - World Post Day 10 October - World Mental Health Day - (WHO) 11 October - International Day of the Girl Child 13 October - International Day for Disaster Reduction 15 October - International Day of Rural Women 16 October - World Food Day - (FAO) 17 October - International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 20 October - World Statistics Day 24 October - United Nations Day 24 October - World Development Information Day 27 October - World Day for Audiovisual Heritage - (UNESCO) 31 October - World Cities Day November 2 November - International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists 6 November - International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War & Armed Conflict 10 November - World Science Day for Peace & Development 14 November - World Diabetes Day 15 November - (third Sunday in November) - World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 16 November - International Day for Tolerance - (Resolution 5.61 of the 28th session of the UNESCO General Conference) 19 November - World Toilet Day 19 November - (third Thursday in November) - World Philosophy Day 20 November - Africa Industrialization Day 20 November - Universal Childrens Day 21 November - World Television Day 25 November - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 29 November - International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People December 1 December - World AIDS Day 2 December - International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 3 December - International Day of Persons with Disabilities 5 December - International Volunteer Day for Economic & Social Development 5 December - World Soil Day - (FAO) 7 December - International Civil Aviation Day - (ICAO) 9 December - International Day of Commemoration & Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide & of the Prevention of this Crime 9 December - International Anti-Corruption Day 10 December - Human Rights Day 11 December - International Mountain Day 18 December - International Migrants Day 20 December - International Human Solidarity Day
U.N. International Weeks
February 2 - 8 February (first week of February) - World Interfaith Harmony Week March 21 - 27 March - Week of Solidarity with the Peoples Struggling against Racism & Racial Discrimination April 19 - 23 April - Global Soil Week 24 - 30 April - World Immunization Week (WHO) May 4 - 10 May - UN Global Road Safety Week (WHO) 25 - 31 May - Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self-Governing Territories August 1 - 7 August - World Breastfeeding Week - (WHO) October 4 - 10 October - World Space Week 24 - 30 October - Disarmament Week November 9 - 15 November (the week in which 11 November falls) - International Week of Science & Peace
U.N. International Years
2016 International Year of Pulses 2015 International Year of Light & Light-based Technologies International Year of Soils (FAO) 2014 International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People International Year of Small Island Developing States International Year of Crystallography International Year of Family Farming 2013 International Year of Water Cooperation International Year of Quinoa 2012 International Year of Cooperatives International Year of Sustainable Energy for All 2011 International Year for People of African Descent International Year of Chemistry International Year of Forests International Year of Youth 2010 International Year of Youth (12 August 2010 - 11 August 2011) International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures International Year of Biodiversity International Year of the Seafarer 2009 International Year of Reconciliation International Year of Natural Fibers International Year of Human Rights Learning International Year of Astronomy Year of the Gorilla (UNEP & UNESCO) 2008 International Year of Planet Earth International Year of Languages International Year of Sanitation International Year of the Potato 2007-2008 International Polar Year (WMO) 2006 International Year of Deserts & Desertification 2005 International Year of Microcredit International Year for Sport & Physical Education International Year of Physics 2004 International Year to Commemorate the Struggle against Slavery & its Abolition International Year of Rice 2003 Year of Kyrgyz Statehood International Year of Freshwater 2002 United Nations Year for Cultural Heritage International Year of Mountains International Year of Eco-tourism 2001 United Nations Year of Dialog among Civilizations International Year of Volunteers International Year of Mobilization against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia & Related Intolerance 2000 International Year of Thanksgiving - (A/RES/52/16) International Year for the Culture of Peace 1999 International Year of Older Persons 1998 International Year of the Ocean 1996 International Year for the Eradication of Poverty 1995 United Nations Year for Tolerance World Year of Peoples Commemoration of the Victims of the Second World War 1994 International Year of the Family International Year of Sport & the Olympic Ideal 1993 International Year for the World's Indigenous People 1992 International Space Year 1990 International Literacy Year 1987 International Year of Shelter for The Homeless 1986 International Year of Peace 1985 Year of the United Nations International Youth Year: Participation, Development, Peace 1983 World Communications Year; Development of Communication Infrastructures 1982 International Year of Mobilization for Sanctions Against South Africa 1981 International Year for Disabled Persons 1979 International Year of The Child 1978 - 1979 International Anti-Apartheid Year 1975 International Women's Year 1974 World Population Year 1971 International Year for Action to Combat Racism & Racial Prejudice 1970 International Education Year 1968 International Year for Human Rights 1967 International Tourist Year 1965 International Co-operation Year 1961 International Health & Medical Research Year 1959 - 1960 World Refugee Year
U.N. International Decades
2015 - 2024 International Decade for People of African Descent 2014 - 2024 United Nations Decade of Sustainable Energy for All 2011 - 2020 Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism United Nations Decade on Biodiversity Decade of Action for Road Safety 2010 - 2020 United Nations Decade for Deserts & the Fight against Desertification 2008 - 2017 Second United Nations Decade for the Eradication of Poverty 2006 - 2016 Decade of Recovery & Sustainable Development of the Affected Regions (3rd decade after the Chernobyl disaster) 2005 - 2015 International Decade for Action, Water for Life 2005 - 2014 United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous People 2003 - 2012 United Nations Literacy Decade: Education for All 2001 - 2010 International Decade for a Culture of Peace & Non-violence for the Children of the World Decade to Roll Back Malaria in Developing Countries, Particularly in Africa Second International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 1997 - 2006 Decade for The Eradication for Poverty 1995 - 2004 Decade for Human Rights Education 1994 - 2004 Decade of the World's Indigenous People 1993 - 2003 Third Decade to Combat Racism & Racial Discrimination 1991 - 2000 Second Industrial Development Decade for Africa Second Transport & Communications Decade in Africa United Nations Decade Against Drug Abuse Fourth United Nations Development Decade 1990 - 2000 International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism 1990 - 1999 United Nations Decade of International Law International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction 1990s Third Disarmament Decade 1988 - 1997 World Decade for Cultural Development 1983 - 1993 Second Decade to Combat Racism & Racial Discrimination 1983 - 1992 United Nations Decade for Disabled Persons 1981 - 1990 International Drinking Water Supply & Sanitation Decade Third United Nations Development Decade 1980 - 1990 Second Disarmament Decade 1980's Industrial Development Decade for Africa 1978 - 1988 Transport & Communications Decade for Africa 1976 - 1985 United Nations Decade for Women: Equality, Development & Peace 1973 - 1983 Decade to Combat Racism & Racial Discrimination 1971 - 1980 Second United Nations Development Decade 1970's Disarmament Decade 1960 - 1970 United Nations Development Decade

U.S. Presidential Proclamation List of Observance Dates

U.S. Presidential Proclamation Days
January January 16 - Religious Freedom Day 3rd Monday in January - Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday 3rd Sunday in January - U.S. Sanctity of Human Life Day February February 15 - Susan B. Anthony Day March March 25 - Greek Independence Day March 31 - Cesar Chavez Day April 2nd Thursday in April - U.S. D.A.R.E. Day April 9 - U.S. Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day April 14 - Pan American Day and Pan American Week May May 1 - Loyalty Day May 1 - Law Day, U.S.A. May 15 - Peace Officer Memorial Day 1st Thursday in May - U.S. Day of Prayer 2nd Friday in May - Military Spouses Day 2nd Sunday in May - Mother's Day 3rd Friday in May - U.S. Defense Transportation Day and U.S. Transportation Week 3rd Saturday in May - Armed Forces Day May 22 - U.S. Maritime Day May 25 - U.S. Missing Children's Day Last Monday in May - Memorial Day June 1st Monday in June - U.S. Child's Day June 14 - Flag Day and U.S. Flag Week 3rd Sunday in June - Father's Day July July 27 - U.S. Korean War Veterans Armistice Day Last Sunday in July - Parent's Day August August 16 - U.S. Airborne Day August 26 - Women's Equality Day September Weekend before September 11 - U.S. Days of Prayer and Remembrance September 11 - Patriot Day September 11 - Emergency Number Day 3rd Friday in September U.S. POW/MIA Recognition Day September 17 - Citizenship Day and Constitution Week September 22 - American Business Women's Day September 28 - U.S. Good Neighbor Day 4th Monday in September - Family Day Last Sunday in September - Gold Star Mother's Day October 1st Monday in October - Child Health Day October 6 - German-American Day 2nd Monday in October - Columbus Day October 9 - Leif Erikson Day October 11 - General Pulaski Memorial Day October 15 - White Cane Safety Day October 24 - United Nations Day November November 9 - World Freedom Day November 11 - Veterans Day November 15 - U.S. Philanthropy Day November 15 - America Recycles Day 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving Day Friday after Thanksgiving - Native American Heritage Day December December 1 - World AIDS Day December 3 - International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 7 - U.S. Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day December 10 - Human Rights Day and Human Rights Week December 15 - Bill of Rights Day December 17 - Wright Brothers Day
U.S. Presidential Proclamation Weeks
March 1st week of March - Save Your Vision Week 3rd week of March - U.S. Poison Prevention Week April Last week of April - U.S. Volunteer Week Varies in April - Crime Victims' Rights Week Last week of April - U.S. Park Week May Third week of May - World Trade Week Third week of May - U.S. Hurricane Preparedness Week Week prior to Memorial Day - U.S. Safe Boating Week July Third week of July - Captive Nations Week August August 16th-22nd - U.S. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week September Varies in September - Minority Enterprise Development Week 3rd week of September - U.S. Farm Safety and Health Week Varies in September - U.S. Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week October Week of October 9 - Fire Prevention Week Week of 2nd Sunday in October - U.S. School Lunch Week Week of 3rd Sunday in October - U.S. Forest Products Week 3rd week in October - U.S. Character Counts Week Week prior to Thanksgiving - U.S. Farm-City Week Week of Thanksgiving - U.S. Family Week
U.S. Presidential Proclamation Months
January U.S. Mentoring Month Stalking Awareness Month Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month February American Heart Month Black History Month March American Red Cross Month Women's History Month Irish-American Heritage Month April Cancer Control Month U.S. Donate Life Month Prevent Child Abuse Month U.S. Sexual Assault Awareness Month U.S. Financial Literacy Month May Older Americans Month Jewish American Heritage Month Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Mental Health Awareness Month U.S. Physical Fitness and Sports Month U.S. Foster Care Month June Gay and Lesbian Pride Month Caribbean-American Heritage Month Great Outdoors Month U.S. Oceans Month Black Music Month July U.S. Ice Cream Month September Childhood Cancer Awareness Hydrocephalus Awareness Month U.S. Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month SU.S. Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Awareness Month U.S. Wilderness Month U.S. Preparedness Month U.S. Childhood Obesity Awareness Month September 15 to October 15 - U.S. Hispanic Heritage Month October U.S. Information Literacy Awareness Month Italian American Heritage and Culture Month U.S. Breast Cancer Awareness Month U.S. Domestic Violence Awareness Month U.S. Arts & Humanities Month U.S. Disability Employment Awareness Month U.S. Cyber Security Awareness Month U.S. Energy Awareness Month November U.S. Entrepreneurship Month Military Family Month U.S. Bone Marrow Donor Awareness Month U.S. Hospice Month U.S. Adoption Month U.S. Family Caregivers Month U.S. Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month U.S. Diabetes Month U.S. American Indian Heritage Month December U.S. Impaired Driving Prevention Month U.S. Critical Infrastructure Protection Month

Note: If you know of other recognized awareness programs and dates you would like to see added to the lists please Contact us with as many details as you can provide so we can list the date(s) in our observance calendar.

Gold and Blue with Diamond awareness ribbon Awareness ribbons have also become popular symbols of causes and illness conditions over recent years.

Like awareness bracelets the use of various colored folded ribbons is designed to create public awareness to health, medical conditions, disability, and other issues.

We currently have over 80 different ribbon colors and designs listed that denote awareness for hundreds of conditions.

Health and Disability Awareness Days, Weeks and Months

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