Complete 2024 calendar of health observances and holidays in the US (free monthly downloads)
Health observance calendars make it easier for practices to market proactive care services to patients. Get organized and boost your healthcare marketing efforts with our free calendar.
Most Popular
At a Glance
- Highlighting monthly health observances allows healthcare providers and medical practices to meaningfully engage patients and raise awareness about specific health issue
December 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
'Tis the season to plan some holiday fun — and your final marketing opportunities for 2024. While everyone's focus may be on spending time with friends and family, December gifts quite a few unique opportunities for small medical offices to connect with their patients and communities through seasonal health awareness campaigns.
Key December 2024 healthcare observances include:
- Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- Impaired Driving Prevention Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
Safe Toys and Gifts Month, sponsored by Prevent Blindness, highlights critical toy safety concerns during the gift-giving season. An estimated 154,700 children under age 12 were treated in emergency rooms for toy-related injuries in 2023, according to a November 2024 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Marketing ideas for Safe Toys and Gifts Month
- Social media campaign: Share graphics, social posts, or short videos with daily safety tips throughout December. Highlight specific risks like choking on small balls or crayons, or lacerations from toys with sharp edges. Don’t forget to include tips on selecting safer options.
- Toy safety checklist: Create a downloadable toy safety checklist, or adapt the Prevent Blindness checklist. Offer the checklist during in-office visits or as part of a newsletter.
- Partner with the experts: Collaborate with local toy stores or child safety experts to provide patients and the larger community with educational pamphlets about safe toys. Or host a toy safety seminar at your office or a community center.
Impaired Driving Prevention Month
It's probably no secret that alcohol consumption spikes during the holiday season, and December drunk driving deaths are the highest they’ve been in 15 years, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That’s why the NHTSA sponsors Impaired Driving Prevention Month each December. As you might have guessed, the focus is on reducing incidents of impaired driving.
What are the 2 most common groups who fight against drunk driving? The top 2 groups that fight against drunk driving are Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and Students Against Destructive Decisions.
What is the ribbon for drunk driving awareness? The ribbon color for drunk driving awareness is red. This is part of MADD's public awareness campaign, “Tie One on for Safety.”
Marketing ideas for Impaired Driving Prevention Month
- Spread the word: Share information about the dangers of impaired driving across social media channels or through blog posts and newsletter content. Include tips on accident prevention and encourage readers to recruit a designated driver during holiday parties.
- Partner with local law enforcement: Collaborate with local police departments to create and distribute printed materials on impaired driving or host a community-wide safety event after hours.
Other monthly observances for December
- Seasonal Affective Disorder Awareness Month
- Universal Human Rights Month
December 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
The hustle and bustle of the holidays may leave little time to coordinate and manage month-long marketing events, so consider a few daily observances instead.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
When is National Influenza Vaccination Week 2024? This year, National Influenza Vaccination Week runs from December 2 through 6. Spearheaded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this weeklong observance emphasizes the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu, which typically peaks during the winter months.
Marketing ideas for National Influenza Vaccination Week
- Flu clinic: Organize a flu vaccination clinic with special promotions (discounted or free flu vaccinations) during National Influenza Vaccination Week. Promote this event across social media channels, your website, and in-office signage.
- Flu facts social campaign: Share flu-related facts, statistics, and vaccination benefits across social media channels.
- Reminder emails and texts: Send email and text reminders to your patients about the importance of flu shots. Be sure to include easy online scheduling options.
National Handwashing Awareness Week
What is National Handwashing Awareness Week? As you might have guessed, National Handwashing Awareness Week promotes hand hygiene as a simple yet effective way to prevent the spread of germs and illness. This observance typically coincides with cold and flu season, making it an ideal time to remind the public about proper handwashing techniques. This year, National Handwashing Awareness Week runs from December 2–6.
Marketing ideas for National Handwashing Awareness Week
- Handwashing demo videos: Create short videos demonstrating the correct handwashing technique and share them across social media channels. Click here for in-depth instructions.
- Hand hygiene kits: Create and distribute hand hygiene kits to your patients. Be sure to include travel-sized hand sanitizer, tissues, and educational brochures.
Crohn's and Colitis Awareness Week
When is Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week? This year, Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week runs from December 1 through 7. First observed in 2011, this event raises awareness about these chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). The weeklong observance aims to educate the public, support those living with these conditions, and promote an understanding of the impact they can have on those affected.
Marketing ideas for Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week
- Share patient stories: Share stories of patients living with Crohn’s or colitis (with their permission). While this will raise awareness, it also puts a face to these conditions. Feature patient stories on your website, social media, or an email newsletter.
- Host a webinar: Partner with a gastroenterologist in your area to educate patients and the community about life with IBD, its management, and treatment options.
- Collaborate with local support groups: Partner with local IBD support groups to co-host events, webinars, or educational talks about Crohn’s and colitis.
World AIDS Day
What is World AIDS Day? World AIDS Day is observed globally on December 1, 2024.
Why is World AIDS Day important? Observed every year since 1988, this event not only raises awareness about HIV/AIDS but also aims to support those living with the virus and remember those who have died from the disease.
Marketing ideas for World AIDS Day
- Community testing event: Offer free or discounted HIV testing at your office or make arrangements to do so at another local venue. Don’t forget to use this opportunity to spread awareness about HIV prevention.
- Red ribbon campaign: Encourage your staff to wear red ribbons in support of HIV/AIDS awareness. You can also purchase red ribbons for your patients and distribute them along with informational pamphlets in your office.
- HIV awareness content: Share educational content about AIDS/HIV across social media channels, your website, blog posts, or newsletters. Be sure to include information on HIV prevention, early testing, treatment options, and local resources for those seeking care or support.
December is often a busy month, punctuated with parties and gatherings. However, medical offices can still demonstrate their commitment to community health while offering valuable education and services during the most wonderful time of the year, too.
November 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are November 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
November 2024 month-long observances
- Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
- National Diabetes Month
- Prematurity Awareness Month
- Great American Smokeout
- National Family Caregivers Month
- Lung Cancer Awareness Month
- American Diabetes Month
- COPD Awareness Month
- Bladder Health Month
- Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
November 2024 days to note
- World Diabetes Day
- Great American Smokeout
October 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are October 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
October 2024 month-long observances
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- Down Syndrome Awareness Month
- National Bullying Prevention Month
- Health Literacy Month
- Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Awareness Month
- National ADHD Awareness Month
- National Dental Hygiene Month
October 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- World Day of Bullying Prevention, October 7
- World Mental Health Day, October 10
- National Depression Screening Day, October 10
- World Osteoporosis Day, October 20
- National Health Education Week, October 21–25
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, October 29
September 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are September 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
September 2024 month-long observances
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
- Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
- National Suicide Prevention Month
- Blood Cancer Awareness Month
- Healthy Aging Month
- Baby Safety Month
- Food Safety Education Awareness Month
- National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
- Sexual Health Awareness Month
- World Alzheimer’s Month
September 2024 days to note
- National Celiac Disease Awareness Day, September 13
- Get Ready for Flu Day, September 17
August 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are August 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
August 2024 month-long observances
- National Breastfeeding Month
- National Minority Donor Awareness Month
- National Immunization Awareness Month
- Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month
- National Eye Exam Month
- Summer Sun Safety Month
- Psoriasis Action Month
August 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- World Lung Cancer Day, August 1
- World Breastfeeding Week, August 1–7
- National Health Center Week, August 4–10
- OSHA's Safe and Sound Week, August 12–18
- Breast Cancer Research Day, August 18
- World Humanitarian Day, August 19
- International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31
July 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are July 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
July 2024 month-long observances
- National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, or BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month
- Ultraviolet (UV) Safety Month #PracticeSafeSun
- Sarcoma Awareness Month
- Cord Blood Awareness Month
- Heavy Vision Month
- International Group B Strep Awareness Month
- Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
- National Cleft & Craniofacial Awareness and Prevention Month
- National Hemochromatosis Awareness Month
July 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- Last day to register to administer the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) for MIPS survey, July 1
- The last day to start a 180-day performance period for promoting interoperability (MIPS), July 5
- World Brain Day, July 11
- World Sjogren’s Day, July 23
- World Hepatitis Day, June 28
June 2024 healthcare holiday observances and marketing ideas
Below are June 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
June 2024 month-long observances
- Men’s Health Month
- Autistic Pride Day
- PTSD Awareness Month
- Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
- National Safety Month
- Cataract Awareness Month
June 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- National Cancer Survivors Day, June 2
- National CPR and (Automated External Defibrillator) AED Awareness Week, June 1–7
- Family Health and Fitness Day, June 8
- World Blood Donor Day, June 14
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15
- Autistic Pride Day, June 18
- National HIV Testing Day, June 27
May 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are May 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
May 2024 monthlong observances
- Mental Health Awareness Month
- National Nurses Month
- Asthma Awareness Month
- Arthritis Awareness Month
- Better Sleep Month
- High Blood Pressure Awareness Month
- Lyme Disease Awareness Month
- Maternal Mental Health Month
- National Stroke Awareness Month
- National Women’s Health Month
May 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- World Asthma Day, May 7
- World MS Day, May 30
- World Ovarian Cancer Day May 8
- World Hypertension Day, May 17
- World Schizophrenia Day, May 24
April 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are April 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
April 2024 monthlong observances
- National Minority Health Month
- Autism Awareness Month
- March for Babies
- Stress Awareness Month
- Parkinson’s Awareness Month
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM)
- Testicular Cancer Awareness Month
April 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- World Health Day
- World Autism Awareness Day, April 2
- World Parkinson’s Day, April 11
- Black Maternal Health Week, April 11–17
- National Infertility Awareness Week, April 21–27
- National Youth Violence Prevention Week, April 22–26
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, April 27
- Patient Experience Week, April 29–May 3
March 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
Below are March 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
March 2024 month-long observances
- National Kidney Month
- Brain Injury Awareness Month
- National Nutrition Month
- National Endometriosis Awareness Month
- National MS Education and Awareness Month
- National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
Tebra can help you pre-plan and easily create and edit website content.
March days to note and weeks to calendar
- World Birth Defects Day, March 3
- Patient Safety Awareness Week, March 10-16, 2024
- National Sleep Awareness Week, March 10-16
- World Sleep Day, Friday, March 15
- National Poison Prevention Week, March 17–23
- World Tuberculosis Day, March 24
February 2024 healthcare observances and marketing ideas
A well-thought-out calendar can help align practice marketing efforts and engage with patients and the broader community. Here’s a list of healthcare marketing ideas for February.
February 2024 month-long observances
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month (AMD Awareness Month)
- American Heart Month
- International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
- National Cancer Prevention Month
- National Self-Check Month
February 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- Cardiovascular Professionals Week, February 11–17
- Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week, February 14–21
- National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, February 26–March 1
- National Wear Red Day (Heart Disease Awareness), February 3
- World Cancer Day, February 4
- National Donor Day, February 14
- National Caregivers Day, February 16
- Rare Disease Day, February 29
January 2024 healthcare observances
Below are January 2024 days and month-long healthcare observances to mark on your calendar.
January 2024 month-long observances
- Glaucoma Awareness Month
- National Birth Defects Prevention Month
- Cervical Cancer Screening Month
- National Blood Donor Month
- Thyroid Awareness Month
January 2024 days to note and weeks to calendar
- Diet Resolution Week, January 1 to 7
- National Take the Stairs Day, January 10
- Maternal Health Awareness Day, January 23
- World Leprosy Day, January 28
Show your patients they're on your mind
By embracing these observances, medical practices can lean into thoughtful marketing strategies to show patients they care and amplify their community impact. Social media campaigns, a targeted email strategy, website content, and community outreach events are great ways to help disseminate valuable information and foster a culture of proactive health care and management. Moreover, by aligning healthcare services with the needs of the community during these awareness months, providers can empower individuals to prioritize their health and well-being throughout the year.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Subscribe to The Intake:
A weekly check-up for your independent practice
Get expert tips, guides, and valuable insights for your healthcare practice
