A new month is upon us and with it comes new healthcare awareness movements. Along with back-to-school events comes several month-, week-, and day-long event that deserve time and support. While we highlight some of these here and include resourced for getting involved, we are always interested in hearing more about the movements we might have missed. Take a look below and let us know what other August awareness movements you want to hear more about before the month is over!
Month-Long Movements:
National Immunization Awareness: Now more important than ever is the push for immunization. The last year taught us the dangers of living without a vaccine and the new Delta variant is baring down faster than ever. Now, the news is dominated by stories of the regrets of the hospitalized unvaccinated who want others to learn from their mistakes before it is too late.
For the sake and safety of those we interact with on a daily basis, it is incredibly important if you are not vaccinated to connect with your physician and learn which COVID vaccine is best for you. Check out your local pharmacies or the CDC’s vaccination finder for information as to where you can receive your vaccination!
Psoriasis Action Month: Psoriasis is relatively well known in name, but the exact cause is still unknown. Additional research and awareness of psoriasis can help bring relief in the form of treatments and, possibly, cures to over 5 million adults in the United States alone. That number does not account for those who have early and undiagnosed symptoms who risk permanent body damage if they do not receive treatment early on.
If you are interested in getting involved, the National Psoriasis Foundation has ongoing virtual events where you can help raise money by running, walking, cycling, hosting fundraising events, or even DIY-ing it by creating your own event.
Week-Long Movements:
World Breastfeeding Week (August 1-7): Starting in 1992, World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) became a time for informing others of, anchoring the idea of, engaging with, and galvanizing the ever-developing movement of breastfeeding. Since 2016, the movement has coordinated their goals with the World Health Assembly to more effectively teach the public about breastfeeding and related issues.
National Health Center Week (August 8-14): “Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities,” so we take time this week to celebrate and support the people of our community health centers. Each day in of this week of celebration is dedicated to a different area of focus.
Take the time to come together with your community to shine a light on the local leaders, providers, and patients who have made a difference this last year. The provided website above offers information for daily events as well as ways to get involved in locally!
Day-Long Movements:
World Lung Cancer Day: While not a new movement, Lung Cancer Awareness is still incredibly important. Lung Cancer is responsible for nearly 1 in 5 cancer deaths, killing more than breast, prostate, and colon cancer combined ever year, despite being diagnosed at the same rate as breast cancer.
Despite the lowered smoke rates we originally saw in Millennials, products such as Juul have brought about the rise of smoking once more in upcoming generations. We are making progress to raise awareness and eliminate the threat that is lung cancer from any of it’s causes, but every available helping hand brings us one step closer.
International Overdose Awareness Day: International Overdose Awareness day is a day of remembrance, support, and action. While participating in events and fundraising is always appreciated, the core value of this day is to, without stigma, hear and tell the stories of those who people lost to an overdose.
This day is important as a teaching day as it highlights the stories from survivors as well as the lives surrounding those who were lost. If you have someone you would like to honor, check out the website here to post a tribute or get involved in the awareness day events.
These are not the only awareness movements in August. There are many other efforts that deserve attention and support, so make sure to take time to get involved where you can. If you are interested in getting involved as a healthcare practitioner, check out our job board or send us a resume and we will connect you with a dedicated recruiter.
