The month of May brings a dedicated focus to several important areas of health and well-being. It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, recognizing the importance of mental health and encouraging open discussions. Additionally, Older Americans Month celebrates the contributions of our senior population. We also show appreciation for healthcare professionals during National Nurses Week, National Hospital Week, and National Skilled Nursing Care Week. These observances highlight the vital roles nurses, hospitals, and nursing home staff play in caring for our communities.Below are details on each observance and where to find resources.
Mental Health Awareness Month
Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in Americans’ lives and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. For more than 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being and provide resources and information to support individuals and communities who may need mental health support.
Older Americans Month
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2024 theme is Powered by Connection, which recognizes the profound impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and well-being. We will explore the vital role that connectedness plays in supporting independence and aging in place by combatting isolation, loneliness, and other issues.
Join us in promoting the benefits of connecting with others. Here are some ways you can participate.
- Share facts about the mental, physical, and emotional health benefits of social connection and how it contributes to overall well-being.
- Promote resources that help older adults engage, like community events, social clubs, and volunteer opportunities.
- Connect older adults with local services, such as transportation, that can help them overcome obstacles to achieving or maintaining meaningful relationships.
- Encourage partners to host a connection-centric event or program focused on older adult mentors to youth, peer-to-peer support, or similar efforts.
- Challenge professional and personal networks to prioritize meaningful social connections and share the benefits.
- Inspire older adults to share what connection means to them on social media using the hashtag #PoweredByConnection.
Nurses Week is a time to recognize the vast contributions and positive impact of America’s registered nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the role of nursing even more apparent. Nurses play a significant role in health care delivery and community outreach; there is still a need to increase understanding the value of nursing. Celebrating America’s more than 5 million registered nurses May 6 – 12, 2024
The 2024 National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) theme, Radiant Memories – A Tribute to the Golden Age of Radio, embraces a time when the airwaves resonated with captivating stories and melodies. More than nostalgia, “Radiant Memories” is a call to honor the enduring legacy of skilled nursing care centers. In these centers, residents and staff contribute to the creation of radiant memories, akin to the cherished moments shared through music and stories over the radio waves. Staff, residents, families, and members of the local community are invited to join and engage in activities that showcase Radiant Memories during this special week, which begins on Mother’s Day, May 12 -18, 2024. https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Pages/NSNCW.aspx
