ATLMed News, National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September National Health Observances: Raising Awareness, Strengthening Communities, and Promoting Health for All

Posted on by Zeron Turlington
02
Sep

Each month, we highlight key National Health Observances (NHOs) that align with our mission of advancing health equity, promoting prevention, and supporting healthier communities across the nation.

For the month of September, we’re focusing on several important health priorities impacting families and communities every day:
Healthy Aging, Childhood Obesity, Substance Use Recovery, Sickle Cell Disease, and HIV/AIDS.

ATLMed invites clinicians, patients, caregivers, and community partners to engage with these important topics, share resources, and help elevate awareness throughout the month.

Healthy Aging Month

Every September, Healthy Aging Month encourages older adults to adopt habits that support long, active, and healthy lives.

Healthy aging is about more than adding years to life — it’s about adding life to years.

Key resources include:

  • Healthy People 2030: Healthy Aging Custom List (tools and national objectives focused on older adult health)
  • Move Your Way® campaign materials to encourage physical activity among adults 65+
  • Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans Midcourse Report, offering strategies to help older adults stay mobile, strong, and engaged

Supporting older adults to maintain strength, independence, mobility, and social connection is essential for community health.

National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Childhood obesity remains a critical public health challenge, affecting millions of children and adolescents across the country.

This month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages families, schools, and providers to focus on prevention — through healthy eating habits, daily movement, and supportive routines.

Helpful tools include:

  • CDC resources offering tips for families on building healthy habits
  • MyHealthfinder guides for parents, including:
    • How to help kids maintain a healthy weight
    • Making healthier snack choices
  • Move Your Way® materials to help families incorporate physical activity into everyday life

Healthy habits developed in childhood lay the foundation for lifelong wellness.

National Recovery Month

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Recovery Month honors the strength of individuals recovering from substance use disorders — and the families, clinicians, and communities supporting them.

Key resources include:

  • MyHealthfinder guides on substance use, prevention, and treatment
  • Healthy People 2030’s evidence-based interventions related to drug and alcohol misuse
  • Educational materials promoting early intervention, harm reduction, and recovery-focused community support

Recovery Month is a reminder that treatment works, recovery is possible, and no one walks the journey alone.

National Sickle Cell Awareness Month

Sickle cell disease affects thousands of individuals nationwide — disproportionately impacting Black and African American communities. September is a time to amplify awareness, education, and support for those living with sickle cell.

Shareable resources:

  • NHLBI fact sheets and educational materials on sickle cell disease
  • Information for parents on newborn screening, early detection, and treatment
  • Healthy People 2030 objectives focused on improving outcomes for individuals with blood disorders

Education, early diagnosis, and equitable access to care are essential to improving quality of life for individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day — September 18

As more adults age with HIV, and others remain at risk later in life, September 18 raises awareness around HIV prevention, testing, and treatment specifically for older adults.

Helpful resources include:

  • CDC’s Let’s Stop HIV Together campaign
  • CDC’s HIV testing and prevention social media toolkit
  • MyHealthfinder information on HIV testing, prevention, and questions to ask your doctor
  • Healthy People 2030 evidence-based strategies addressing sexually transmitted infections

Encouraging older adults to get tested — and to talk openly with their providers — is key to prevention and early diagnosis.

National Gay Men’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day — September 27

On September 27, we recognize the unique impact HIV continues to have on gay and bisexual men. This observance encourages testing, prevention, treatment access, and reduction of stigma.

Resources to share:

  • CDC’s social media toolkit for HIV prevention
  • HIV factsheets and testing information for gay and bisexual men
  • MyHealthfinder’s HIV testing resources
  • Talking-with-your-doctor guides to support open, judgment-free communication

Strengthening awareness and increasing access to prevention tools like PrEP, testing, and education help save lives.

Join the Conversation: Help Spread Awareness This September

ATLMed encourages our healthcare community, partners, and supporters to help raise awareness by sharing these important NHOs throughout September. By engaging patients, families, and colleagues, we can:

  • Reduce health disparities
  • Support community prevention efforts
  • Promote early detection and treatment
  • Empower individuals to take charge of their health
  • Strengthen public health across the nation

Together, we can make a lasting impact by elevating these health priorities and promoting action that leads to healthier, more informed communities.

For more resources and ongoing updates, visit ATLMed.org.

Zeron Turlington