Drug Disposal Events & Observances
Drug misuse prevention events and observances happen throughout the year. Use these key rallying moments to help raise awareness, promote local prevention efforts and encourage proper drug disposal to reduce the risk of misuse and overdoses.
Thanks for your patience while we research the observances for this month.
AMERICAN HEART MONTH (FEBRUARY)
February is American Heart Month where we dedicate ourselves to raising awareness about heart health and cardiovascular diseases. It also serves as a reminder to prioritize heart-healthy lifestyles, learn more about heart disease prevention and support those affected by cardiovascular conditions.
WORLD WILDLIFE DAY (MAR. 3)
World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on March 3 to celebrate wild animals and plants. Every year, we recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet.
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HEALTHCARE HR WEEK ((MAR. 11-15)
Healthcare HR Week is designated to recognize human resources professionals in healthcare organizations across the nation for their vital role across the continuum of care.
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POISION PREVENTION WEEK (MAR. 17-23)
National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW) was originated to raise awareness of poison prevention and safety.
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DRUG AND ALCOHOL FACTS WEEK (MAR. 18-24)
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week (NDAFW) is an annual health observance that inspires dialogue about the science of drug use and addiction among youth.
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NATIONAL DOCTORS DAY (MAR. 30)
National Doctors Day was created to help staffing firms, healthcare facilities, co-workers, and patients acknowledge the miracle workers who safeguard our health
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NATIONAL MINORITY HEALTH MONTH (APRIL)
This annual observance builds awareness about the health disparities that persist among racial and ethnic minority and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and encourages everyone to take action to end these inequities.
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OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY MONTH (APRIL)
April is Occupational Therapy (OT) Month, a time to honor this vital profession that helps people live life to its fullest, no matter their health condition, disability, or risk factors.
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NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK (APR. 1-7)
National Public Health Week is a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.
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WORLD HEALTH DAY (APR. 7)
World Health Day is celebrated annually and each year draws attention to a specific health topic of concern to people all over the world.
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EARTH DAY (APR. 22)
Earth Day celebrates our planet and highlights the need to hold sectors accountable for their role in the environmental crisis.
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NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY (APR. 27)
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH (MAY)
Mental Health Awareness Month is dedicated to eradicating stigma, extending support, fostering public education and advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
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FENTANYL AWARENESS DAY (MAY 7)
Fentanyl Awareness Day is dedicated to educating the public on the serious dangers of fentanyl poisoning from fake pills and other illicit drugs.
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NATIONAL PREVENTION WEEK (MAY 12-18)
National Prevention Week is dedicated to raising awareness of substance misuse and mental health issues, implementing prevention strategies, and showcase the effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs.
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NATIONAL POLICE WEEK (MAY 12-18)
National Police Week offers honor, remembrance, and peer support, while allowing law enforcement, survivors, and citizens to gather and pay homage to those who gave their lives in the line of duty.
MENS HEALTH MONTH (JUNE)
June is Men’s Health Month where we share education and awareness about men’s health issues around the world.
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NATIONAL MIGRAINE & HEADACHE AWARENESS MONTH (JUNE)
June is National Migraine & Headache Awareness Month (#MHAM) where we work together to recognize theses diseases.
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WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY (JUN. 5)
World Environment Day is observed to raise awareness about climate change, global warming, deforestation and loss of biodiversity.
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WORLD OCEAN DAY (JUN. 8)
World Ocean Day aims to raise global awareness of the benefits humankind derives from the ocean and our individual and collective duty to use its resources sustainably
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MEN’S HEALTH WEEK (JUN. 10-16)
Men’s Health Week aims to increase awareness of male health issues on a global level and to encourage inter- and intra-national institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the specific needs of men, boys, and their families.
Thanks for your patience while we research the observances for this month.
NATIONAL FENTANYL PREVENTION AND AWARENESS DAY (AUG. 21)
National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day™ is established in remembrance of those lost to illicit fentanyl poisoning and to acknowledge the devastation this drug has brought to hundreds of thousands of affected family members and friends. This is a day of a coordinated response from fentanyl awareness organizations and affected families sharing their lived experiences as part of a whole group warning and informing our youth, the public, and the unsuspecting.
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OVERDOSE AWARENESS WEEK (AUG. 28-SEPT 3)
Overdose Awareness Week is a time to raise awareness of drug overdose, strengthen our efforts to prevent overdoses and substance-use related harms and deaths, and enhance our support for individuals with substance use disorders.
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INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY (AUG. 31)
International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.
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SUICIDE PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
During this observance, we work to shift public perception, spread hope and share vital information to people affected by suicide. The ultimate goal of this observance is to ensure that individuals, friends and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
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PAIN AWARENESS MONTH (SEPTEMBER)
During Pain Awareness Month we work to raise public awareness around pain, pain management, and the great work pain professionals do during the month of September…and beyond.
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WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY (SEPT. 10)
World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in conjunction with the World Health Organization (WHO). The 10th of September each year focuses attention on the issue, reduces stigma and raises awareness among organizations, government, and the public, giving a singular message that suicide can be prevented.
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POLLUTION PREVENTION WEEK (SEPT. 18-22)
During Pollution Prevention Week we take steps to reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source prior to recycling, treatment, or disposal.
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WORLD RIVERS DAY (4th SUNDAY OF SEPT.)
World Rivers Day is a celebration of the world’s waterways. It highlights the many values of rivers and strives to increase public awareness and encourages the improved stewardship of rivers around the world.
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WORLD PHARMACIST DAY (SEPT. 25)
World Pharmacists Day is a celebration of every pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, and others who are part of this field. Thus, it is not only a welcome event, but it is also a crucial holiday to honor the role these professionals play in improving global health outcomes.
YOUTH SUBSTANCE USE PREVENTION MONTH (OCTOBER)
In October, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is observing Youth Substance Use Prevention Month. The need for prevention has never been greater. Studies show that the earlier in life a young person starts using alcohol or other drugs, the greater their lifetime risk of misuse or addiction.
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RED RIBBON WEEK (OCT. 23-31)
In 1988, the National Family Partnership (NFP) sponsored the first National Red Ribbon Celebration. Today, the Red Ribbon serves as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children and families.
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NATIONAL PRESCRIPTION DRUG TAKE BACK DAY (OCT. 28)
The drug overdose epidemic in the United States is a clear and present public health, public safety, and national security threat. DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day reflects DEA’s commitment to Americans’ safety and health, encouraging the public to remove unneeded medications from their homes as a measure of preventing medication misuse and opioid addiction from ever starting.
NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH DAY (THIRD THURSDAY OF NOV.)
National Rural Health Day is an opportunity to bring attention to and honor the incredible efforts of rural healthcare providers, communities, organizations, the 50 State Offices of Rural Health and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare needs of rural America.
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NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH (NOVEMBER)
November is National American Indian Heritage Month where we pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans.
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NATIONAL HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE MONTH (NOVEMBER)
November is recognized annually as National Hospice and Palliative Care Month (HAPCM), a time for providers to reach out to your local communities, engage media contacts, and recognize the valuable contributions made by staff and volunteers
NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH (DECEMBER)
December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month in December where we work to raise awareness that impaired driving can be deadly and to put strategies in place for all of us to make it home safely.
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WORLD SOIL DAY (DEC. 5)
World Soil Day (WSD) and its campaign aim to raise awareness of the importance and relationship between soil and water in achieving sustainable and resilient agrifood systems. WSD is a unique global platform that not only celebrates soils but also empowers and engages citizens around the world to improve soil health.
