Recovery and Suicide Prevention Top the September Sparks

Recovery and suicide prevention top the September sparks this year. It’s also the month to raise awareness for food safety, cancer and many more important health and social initiatives.

The return to fall starts an active calendar of monthly and weekly campaigns designed to make an impact for progress, prevention and finding cures. Topping our list is recovery and the remembrance of the tragedy of the 9/11 attacks, the heroes and those we lost. Here are September’s Highlights:

Continuance is the word. The world continues to strive to stay a few steps ahead of new covid-19 variants while it also continues to recover from the pandemic’s negative economic impact, On the national stage, September strives to continue bringing  Broadway back to normal; keep children in school with in-person learning, live music tours in full gear and more!

NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH: celebrating its 32nd year, recovery month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible. The annual initiative aims to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders. The 2023 theme is HOPE IS REAL, RECOVERY IS REAL

NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: Held every September to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services. It’s the time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic.

Each year, more than 41,000 individuals die by suicide, leaving behind their friends and family members to navigate the tragedy of loss. In many cases, friends and families affected by a suicide loss are left in the dark. Too often the feelings of shame and stigma prevent them from talking openly. September’s campaign reminds every one of the importance of recognizing signs and seeking help. If you are in crisis or know someone who is, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741-741.

Dates to watch for:

September 10th thru 16th – NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION WEEK

September 10th – WORLD SUICIDE PREVENTION DAY

OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: Go Teal this September to raise awareness for Ovarian Cancer. According to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC), one in 78 women will be diagnosed with the disease. More than 21,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with ovarian cancer each year, and over 14,000 women die from the disease. Unfortunately, most cases are diagnosed in later stages, when the prognosis is poor. However, if diagnosed and treated early, when the cancer is confined to the ovary, the five-year survival rate is over 93 percent. That is why it is imperative that the early signs and symptoms of the disease are recognized, not only by women, but by their families and the healthcare community.

NATIONAL PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH: Go Blue this September. Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in U.S men. The Prostate Cancer Foundation’s Step Up For Blue campaign empowers men to take control of their health — and encourages their loved ones to support them. There are 3 million U.S. men living with prostate cancer and countless families fighting this disease worldwide. A man is diagnosed with prostate cancer every 3 minutes; 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed in their lifetimes. The good news is that prostate cancer is 99 percent treatable if detected early. Education and screening are key. To learn more, visit The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) website at www.pcf.org/

NATIONAL FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION MONTH: is an annual awareness initiative to educate the public on the preparation of safe and healthy family meals. The campaign began in 1994 by the Partnership for Food Safety Education. September is also National Family Meals Month, a perfect time to heed safe food practices.

September sparks of recovery, suicide prevention and remembrance are further illuminated during these post pandemic times as so many of us still struggle with the unknown and strive to keep healthy and safe. There are so many important awareness campaigns and coordinating events occurring nationally, locally and on the world stage so check back regularly this month as we continue to highlight what Sparks in September. — We are Socially Sparked®! Tweet us @sosparkednews