Observance

During January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes National Poverty in America Awareness Month. In 2022, the national poverty rate was 11.5%, remaining the same as in 2021. CMS OMH recognizes the importance of advancing health equity for Americans in all areas during National Poverty in America Awareness Month and encourages readers to review and share the materials in this resource hub throughout January and the rest of the year.

Key Findings:

National Influenza Vaccination Week, December 4 through 8, is an annual observance in December to remind everyone 6 months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications. Millions of children get sick with the flu every year, and thousands will be hospitalized as a result.

Click here for additional information.

In observance of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month in November 2023, the White House recognizes the significant impact of Alzheimer's disease on millions of Americans and the emotional and physical burdens it places on affected individuals and their families. The proclamation emphasizes the importance of honoring these individuals' courage and resilience while acknowledging the invaluable support provided by families and caregivers.

In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month in 2023, President Biden released a proclamation acknowledging the invaluable role of caregivers in American society. The proclamation addresses common challenges faced by caregivers, including high care costs and inadequate worker wages, and underscores the government's commitment to supporting caregivers through legislative actions like the American Rescue Plan, the Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, and the Executive Order to enhance access to high-quality child care and long-term care.

During October, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) recognizes Health Literacy Month, an annual observance focused on improving access to information and services that people need to make informed decisions about their health. Attaining health literacy is a key goal of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Healthy People 2030 initiative, particularly relevant for individuals with limited education, lower income, chronic conditions, and non-native English speakers who often face health literacy challenges.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) is encouraging businesses and organizations across the country to participate. Held annually, NDEAM educates about disability employment topics and celebrates the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities. Although national in scope, NDEAM’s true spirit lies in the many observances held at the grassroots level. Employers of all sizes and in all industries can take part.

On October 7, The American Society on Aging (ASA) is recognizing Ageism Awareness Day to bring attention to the existence and impact of ageism in our society and promote a positive reframing of aging within our communities. ASA's Ageism & Culture Advisory Council, at the forefront of initiatives against ageism, collaborates with members to reshape conversations about aging. 

ASA has prepared various resources in preparation for Ageism Awareness Day, including:

Join National Consumer Voice (NCV) in observing Residents' Rights Month in October, an annual event dedicated to honoring residents in long-term care facilities and those receiving care in their home or community. This observation provides an important opportunity to spotlight and celebrate the dignity and rights of every individual receiving long-term services and support. The theme for this year's Residents' Rights Month, "Amplify Our Voices," underscores the importance of long-term care residents coming together to make their voices heard.

National Senior Center Month, organized by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) in partnership with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), celebrates the vital role of senior centers in the lives of older adults. With over 11,000 senior centers serving more than one million older Americans daily, these centers serve as community focal points, connecting seniors with essential services.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) is recognizing National Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month during September. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a congenital condition resulting in the production of abnormal crescent-shaped blood cells that impair oxygen delivery, leading to pain, organ damage, infection, and potential stroke. It disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic individuals, highlighting the need for increased awareness and equitable access to comprehensive care for those affected.