May Healthcare Recognition Days - 2017
Month-long Observances
Better Hearing & Speech Month
Audiologists, speech-language pathologists and other professionals join efforts to educate the public regarding communication challenges.
American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery – http://www.entnet.org
Better Sleep Month
May was designated Better Sleep Month by the Better Sleep Council in 1985. The goal of Better Sleep Month is to help focus attention on the importance of sleep in leading a healthy, productive life.
The Better Sleep Council – http://www.bettersleep.org
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
May is designated by The American Academy of Dermatology to bring awareness of prevention and protection against skin cancer, the most common form of cancer; the most dangerous form being melanoma.
The American Academy of Dermatology - www.aad.org
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 wellness. Another goal is to provide tips and tools to protect mental health and promote holistic health.
Mental Health America – http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net
National Critical Care Awareness & Recognition Month (NCCARM)
The Society of Critical Care Medicine, the American Association of Critical Care Nurses, the American College of Chest Physicians and others recognize the devoted professionals whose compassion and dedication to the care of the critically ill and injured have made a difference. Many ICUs hold educational symposia, staff recognition ceremonies or special events to celebrate the day.
Society of Critical Care Medicine – http://www.sccm.org
Global Employee Health & Fitness Month (GEHFM)
May is dedicated to encouraging employers to promote and support employees and their families to be physically active on a regular basis. Employers and employees all over the country implement and participate in healthy activities conveniently at the workplace and within their communities.
National Association for Health and Fitness (NAHF) - www.physicalfitness.org
Older Americans Month
Since 1963, May has been a month to recognize older adults for their contributions and provide them with information to help them stay healthy and active.
Administration for Community Living – http://www.acl.gov
Oncology Nursing Month
Oncology Nursing Month is designed to recognize oncology nurses, to educate the public about oncology nursing, to provide an opportunity for special educational events and to celebrate the accomplishments of oncology nurses.
Oncology Nursing Society – http://www.ons.org
Week-long Observances
May 6-12 National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6th and ends on May 12th, Florence Nightingale’s birthday. This campaign seeks to raise public awareness of the value of nursing and help educate the public about the roles registered nurses play in meeting the healthcare needs of all communities.
American Nurses Association – http://www.nursingworld.org
May 14-20 National Nursing Home Week
This week is set aside to recognize residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care settings, and the dedicated staff who care for them.
American Health Care Association – http://www.ahcancal.org
May 7-13 National Hospital Week
National Hospital Week, the nation’s largest healthcare event, is a time to recognize and thank hospital staff – nurses, physicians, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and more – for their contributions.
American Hospital Association – http://www.aha.org
May 14-20 National Women’s Health Week
National Women’s Health Week begins on Mother’s Day each year. Women across the country are encouraged to make their health a priority and to live a safe and healthy life.
Office of Women’s Health, U.S. Dept. of Health and Human
Services – http://www.womenshealth.gov
May 21-27 National EMSC Week
The American College of Emergency Physicians supports National EMSC Week, which educates the public about the EMS system and its appropriate use. The week recognizes every member of the EMS team, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders, firefighters and police.
American College of Emergency Physicians – http://www.acep.org
May 21-27 National Medical Transcriptionist (MT) Week
National Medical Transcription Week recognizes the critical role that healthcare documentation specialists play in the accurate capture and documentation of patient encounter information.
Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity – http://www.ahdionline.org
May 21-27 Neuroscience Nurses Week
Neuroscience Nurses Week is celebrated the third full week of May each year. It celebrates the work of neuroscience nurses, as well as highlights their influence on patient care to hospital administrators, allied health professionals and the community.
American Association of Neuroscience Nurses – http://www.aann.org
Recognition Days
May 6 National Nurses Day (See National Nurses Week, May 6-12)
May 10 National School Nurse Day
This day is set aside to recognize school nurses and to develop a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting.
National Association of School Nurses – http://www.nasn.org
May 12 Florence Nightingale’s Birthday
May 12th recognizes Florence Nightingale’s significant contribution toward the development of modern professional nursing. To honor her, National Nurses Week and National Hospital Week are celebrated during the week that includes her birthday.
May 24 EMSC Day (See National EMSC Week, May 21-27)
May 31 National Senior Health & Fitness Day
National Senior Health & Fitness Day, held on the last Wednesday in May, is the largest promotion event for older adults. It helps promote the importance of physical activity for seniors. More than 1,000 local organizations and 100,000+ older adults will participate in local events across the country.
Mature Market Resource Center – http://www.fitnessday.com