We may be heading into the dog days of summer, but August is full of important healthcare observances and ample opportunities for your medical office to engage with your community, share vital health information with your patients, and encourage proactive healthcare behaviors. 

August offers 6 specific marketing opportunities to help you engage with your patients: 

Because of vaccines, some of the most deadly and debilitating diseases in history are now under control. Others, like smallpox, have been eradicated. That said, keeping them under control is an ongoing effort, and staying up to date is vital. 

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is observed every August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages. It almost seems fitting that this coincides with back-to-school preparations across the country. NIAM is an opportunity to educate your patients and community about the benefits of vaccination. The time is right to encourage people to stay updated with their immunizations.

While the phrase "breast is best" has become wildly popular in the last 10 to 15 years, many people may not know how dynamic and powerful breastmilk actually is. Breastmilk contains a host of essential nutrients and antibodies that help protect infants from short- and long-term illnesses like ear infections, stomach bugs, asthma, obesity, and type 1 diabetes.

Breastfeeding can also reduce the mother's risk of breast and ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure.

In 2011, the United States Breastfeeding Committee (USBC) officially declared August National Breastfeeding Month (NBM). This coincides with National WIC Breastfeeding Week (the first week of August), celebrated in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week by the US Department of Agriculture.

Both observances aim to support and encourage breastfeeding and raise awareness about the support systems available to new mothers and birthing parents. 

Shining a light on why protecting, promoting, and supporting lactation is so important, the 2025 NBM theme is Forward Together.

Studies show that African Americans make up the largest group of minorities in need of organ transplants, yet they are consistently underrepresented in the donor pool. Pair that with statistics such as 13 people die each day while they wait for a transplant, and the picture looks pretty grim. 

In light of such startling statistics, August has been designated as National Minority Donor Awareness Month, the aim of which is to raise awareness about the need for more organ, eye, and tissue donors from minority communities.

Summer Sun Safety Month is observed annually in August as a vital reminder to protect yourself and your loved ones from harmful ultraviolet radiation while still enjoying the benefits of outdoor activities and vitamin D production. 

This important health observance was established to bring awareness of best practices for sun protection and encourage safe outdoor habits during the peak summer months. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, an estimated 212,200 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the US this year. The good news is, when caught in its early stages, melanoma has a 99% 5-year survival rate.

There are also several day-long observances to note for any marketing activities you may like to plan. 

The American Cancer Society reports that death rates from cancer have been on the decline since 1989. However, breast cancer remains the 2nd leading cause of cancer death in women. 

The only good news here is that decreases in breast cancer deaths may be attributable to new research, earlier screenings, increased awareness, and new and improved treatment options. 

To keep things moving in the right direction, World Breast Cancer Research Day is observed annually on August 18. This day highlights the importance of funding and supporting breast cancer research. It’s dedicated to advancing the understanding of breast cancer and improving the treatment options available to patients.

The latest statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse show that over 100,000 people in the US died from a drug-related overdose in 2023. 

To shine a light on the problem, International Overdose Awareness Day is observed globally on August 31 each year. The primary messages of Overdose Awareness Day are awareness and ways to curtail the stigma of drug-related deaths. 

The observance also acknowledges the grief felt by families and friends of those who have died or suffered permanent injury due to drug overdose. The symbols for overdose awareness are silver and purple ribbons. 

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