September sparks awareness for suicide, cancers, food safety 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. Here are highlights for September.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH: Held every September, the month is a time to share resources and stories in an effort to shed light on this highly taboo and stigmatized topic. The month is designated to reach out to those affected by suicide, raise awareness and connect individuals with suicidal ideation to treatment services.
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 9th thru 15th – 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 75 women will be diagnosed with the disease. More than 22,000 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 90 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 8 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.
There are many more wonderful awareness campaigns and coordinating events occurring this September 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 @sosparkednews
