These days, it seems like everything is a national holiday. Some are practical, like National School Nurse Day for example. Others, like National Dance Like a Chicken Day, are so odd and specific that we wonder who came up with them in the first place and thought they were a good idea. However, among the weird and crazy “holidays,” there are quite a few allied health events and holidays to look out for. Below are some allied health events coming up for the rest of 2018.
Allied Health Events in 2018
1. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month (August)
August is Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month. SMA is the leading genetic cause of death in babies less than two years of age. While many people strive to raise awareness of SMA year-round, August is the time in which we really spotlight their efforts. During this month, families and friends of those affected by SMA host events and fundraisers, share information and tell stories to spread awareness.
2. Pain Awareness Month (September)
According to the American Chronic Pain Association, “Pain Awareness Month is a time when various organizations work to raise public awareness of issues in the area of pain and pain management.” The first Pain Awareness Month was observed in 2001 and, since then, the event has grown and gained tons of support. For physical and occupational therapists especially, this month is a great time to promote pain awareness with patients and the community.
3. World Physical Therapy Day (September 8th)
Each year, we celebrate World Physical Therapy Day on September 8th. This day is an opportunity for physical therapists from all over the world to raise awareness about the contributions the profession makes. Physical therapists are crucial when it comes to keeping people healthy, mobile, and independent. The day is an ideal time for all healthcare professionals to support physical therapists and promote the profession.
4. National Rehabilitation Awareness Week (September 17-23)
The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation (NRAF) observed the first National Rehabilitation Awareness Week in 1996. Rehab Week is a nationwide celebration to spread awareness and educate the public about the benefits of rehabilitation. Not only that, but the week is also a time to highlight the capabilities of people with disabilities. There are nearly 50 million Americans with disabilities, and Rehab Week is all about shedding light on their opportunities and potential.
5. American Pharmacists Month (October)
The American Pharmacists Association (APhA) states that “during American Pharmacists Month, APhA promotes awareness of the many services pharmacists offer beyond the safe distribution of medications.” Many people just associate pharmacists with distributing medications, but their efforts go far beyond that. Pharmacists also offer seasonal immunizations, medication consultations, care management and counseling, and smoking cessation counseling.
6. World Occupational Therapy Day (October 27th)
Similar to World Physical Therapy Day, this day is dedicated to increasing the visibility of occupational therapists’ work and the impacts they make. It’s also a time to promote the activities of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists (WFOT) on a local, national, and international level. The WFOT’s website has a variety of different resources you can use to help promote the event. Check them out here.
7. Allied Health Professionals Week (November 4-10)
Perhaps the highlight holiday of the year for allied health workers is Allied Health Professionals Week. Whether you’re a physical therapist or a speech-language pathologist, this week is all about the work that you do! The goal of Allied Health Professionals Week is to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the allied health field. These professionals are the front line in health care, and they deserve to be promoted and honored.
Which of these allied health events are you looking forward to the most? Leave us a comment below, or share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter!
