June National Health Observances: Alzheimer’s Disease, Sickle Cell Disease, and HIV Testing

Each month, we feature National Health Observances (NHOs) that support our mission to improve health across the United States. In June, we’re raising awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and brain health, sickle cell disease, and HIV testing.

Use our list of resources below to promote these NHOs with your networks. 

• Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
  Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is a time to share facts about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias that affect the brain. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) has many resources you can share about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, brain health, and caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. If you work with older adults, check out Healthy People 2030’s evidence-based resources related to dementias. Lastly, MyHealthfinder has information on how to protect your health as you grow older.
• World Sickle Cell Day (6/19)
  World Sickle Cell Day is observed each year on June 19 to increase knowledge about sickle cell disease. Learn about sickle cell disease from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) — and explore these fact sheets in English and Spanish. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also has multimedia materials you can share with your community. And be sure to check out the Healthy People 2030 objectives on blood disorders, as well as our MyHealthfinder tips for expecting parents about getting their newborn screened for sickle cell disease and other health conditions.
• National HIV Testing Day (6/27)
  On June 27, National HIV Testing Day highlights the importance of getting tested for HIV, knowing your status, and learning about options for HIV prevention and treatment. Help promote this observance by sharing CDC’s social media toolkits and other resources from the Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign. Check out this tool for information on finding HIV testing centers near you. Healthy People 2030 has various resources you can use to promote HIV testing and prevention in your work. Finally, share these MyHealthfinder articles on getting tested for HIV and starting a conversation with your doctor about HIV testing.

We hope you’ll use these resources to promote important NHOs with your networks. Together, we’ll continue to improve health across the nation!