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Observances

Check out these toolkits and resources that you can use and share each month to promote behavioral health observances.

January

February

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SAMHSA’s 21st Prevention Day!

Prevention Day takes place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center near Washington, D.C. Join us for the largest annual, national gathering dedicated to advancing the prevention of substance misuse. 

April

alcohol awareness banner

Alcohol Awareness Month

April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse. It offers communities a chance to gain more understanding of how individuals struggle with alcohol use and offers resources and support.

May

Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month

SAMHSA recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being.

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National Prevention Week

National Prevention Week is a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance misuse prevention and positive mental health.

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day

National Children’s Mental Health Day is May 9, 2024. For nearly 20 years, SAMHSA has recognized Children’s Mental Health Day to bring attention to the mental health needs of children and young people.

June

celebrating pride month

Pride Month

Each June, Pride Month is a celebration recognizing the LGBTQI+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning, Intersex) community. SAMHSA honors Pride Month by offering emotional support and by providing mental health and substance use resources for LGBTQI+ individuals, friends, families, communities, providers, and more.

August

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Back to School

Being ready for Back-to-School means more than backpacks, binders, and bus schedules. It also means mentally preparing yourself and your children for the stressors and challenges they may face.

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Overdose Awareness Week

August 31 is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose. This year’s theme, “Recognizing those people who go unseen,” is about acknowledging people in our communities who are affected by overdose but who might go unseen in the crisis. 

Other Resources

Overdose Prevention Awareness Week

Overdose Awareness Day

September

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National Recovery Month

Held every September to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong & proud recovery community, and the service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Month

September marks National Suicide Prevention Month – a month to remember the lives lost to suicide, the millions of people who have struggled with suicidal ideation, and acknowledge the individuals, families, and communities that have been impacted.

October

Substance Use Prevention Month Banner

Substance Use Prevention Month

October is Substance Use Prevention Month. Showcase prevention’s positive effects in your community — and inspire action.

Mental Illness Awareness Week Banner

Mental Illness Awareness Week

SAMHSA recognizes Mental Illness Awareness Week (MIAW) to raise awareness about mental health and provide support and treatment options for mental health conditions.

November

Homelessness Awareness Month

Homelessness Awareness Month

November is National Homelessness Awareness Month and National Homeless Youth Awareness Month. SAMHSA is committed to addressing the needs of individuals, including youth, and families with substance use disorders or mental health issues who are experiencing homelessness.

Other Resources

Rural Health Day

December

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Support During the Holidays

The holiday season can be filled with joy and celebrations. This time of year can also trigger difficult emotions, thoughts, or behaviors—which can affect your mental health and use of substances (including alcohol). Let your friends, family, and communities know that confidential support is available 24/7 for both mental health and substance use.

Last Updated: 11/01/2024