Each month we feature select National Health Observances (NHOs) that highlight issues affecting health across the nation. This month we are raising awareness about heart health, teen dating violence, girls & women in sports, and Black HIV/AIDS awareness.
To make it easy for you to join the conversation, we’ve provided resources you can use you promote these NHOs in your networks.
- American Heart Month
Each February, The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) sponsors American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart disease and ways people can keep their heart healthy. You can join the conversation by using NHLBI’s social media toolkit to promote heart-healthy living. Be sure to also explore the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essentials 8 checklist to help people improve and maintain their heart health. Check out Healthy People 2030 objectives related to heart disease and stroke to learn about ways to improve overall cardiovascular health. MyHealthfinder also has easy-to-understand resources on heart health and nutrition to help people lower their risk and prevent heart disease.
- Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is recognized in February to ensure that everyone has the tools to promote safe, healthy relationships and stand against dating violence. Get involved by sharing the evidence-based teen dating violence prevention model and the teen dating violence prevention resources provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC). Also, be sure to check out our MyHealthfinder resources for tips to share on recognizing signs of relationship violence and talking to your kids about healthy relationships. Finally, use these Healthy People 2030 evidence-based resources to learn about ways to improve adolescent violence in your work.
- National Girls & Women in Sports Day (2/1)
National Girls & Women in Sports Day (NGWSD) will be observed on February 1 to honor the achievements of women in sports and to continue inspiring girls and women to participate in sports. Share our Move Your Way® campaign materials to encourage women, girls, and pregnant and postpartum audiences to stay active. You can also share this Move Your Way® video that highlights the many benefits of participating in youth sports. It’s also a great time to encourage organizations who promote youth sports in their communities to become National Youth Sports Strategy Champions.
- National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (2/7)
Each year, HIV.gov recognizes National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) on February 7, to acknowledge how HIV disproportionately affects the Black community. Share the CDC’s social media toolkit to help spark conversations and highlight progress being made to reduce HIV. Check out our MyHealthfinder resources to help people learn more about getting tested for HIV and questions to ask the doctor. And if you’re interested in national efforts to reduce sexually transmitted infections (STI) and improving access to quality STI care, explore the Healthy People 2030 STI Objectives.
We hope you’ll use these resources to promote important NHO’s with your networks, and continue to improve health across the nation!