Calendar of Events

We have events and days of recognition all throughout the year. Click on a month below to view upcoming events.

January

National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can cause vision loss and blindness by damaging a nerve in the back of your eye called the optic nerve. Here are more resources to help spread awareness in an effort to make sure more older adults receive regular eye exams to check for Glaucoma.

January is National Bath Safety Month Here are tips to make your bathroom a Fall-Free Zone:

🚽 Clear a path to the bathroom and make sure it's well-lit
🚽 Add grab bars for extra support when sitting and standing
🚽 Add a raised toilet seat with arms
🚽 Make cleaning up easier: use moist wipes instead of tissue
More Information: https://goo.gl/I5KRo1

National Healthy Weight Week (typically 3rd week of January). Make these diet and exercise tips a priority every day: Try to be physically active for at least 30 minutes. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Choose foods that are healthy. Practice all four types of exercise—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. For resources, https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/health-promotion-consumers.aspx

February

February 4th is #WorldCancerDay!

The third Friday of February is National Caregivers Day! We are so grateful for all caregivers. We have resources to help caregivers called the National Family Caregiver Support Program: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/national-family-caregiver-support.aspx.

Identity Theft Awareness Week (typically first week of February). Visit IdentityTheft.gov, the federal government's one-stop resource to help you report and recover from identity theft.

American Heart Health Month Watch this video to learn more: https://youtu.be/JxLYWLsxFb0

March

March is National Nutrition Month

Problem Gambling Awareness Month

March is #ColorectalCancerAwarenessMonth. Help raise awareness about the importance of early detection through colorectal cancer screenings. https://pledge.getscreened.org/ Additional resources: https://www.ccalliance.org/about/awareness-month

Red Cross Month: This month we recognize the everyday heroes that help fulfill the Red Cross mission of preventing and alleviating human suffering in the face of emergencies.

March 6 - 12, 2022 National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW) is a time to help people understand their consumer rights and avoid frauds and scams. For more information, visit: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/national-consumer-protection-week We also have available resources on our website, click here.
March 10 is Slam the Scam Day

April

April is NATIONAL VOLUNTEER MONTH. Call MDoA 410-767-1100 or visit "Join Our Team" to find out how you can volunteer with aging programs in your community or visit the Governor’s Office on Service & Volunteerism.

April 16th is National Healthcare Decision Day - National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) exists to inspire, educate and empower the public and providers about the importance of advance care planning. NHDD is an initiative to encourage patients to express their wishes regarding healthcare and for providers and facilities to respect those wishes, whatever they may be. To learn more, visit: https://theconversationproject.org/nhdd/

Public Health Week in Maryland themed "Public Health is Where You Are" April 4 - 10, 2022. Visit this website to learn more: https://health.maryland.gov/newsroom/Pages/Maryland-Department-of-Health-celebrates-Public-Health-Week-in-Maryland.aspx

April National Health Observances: Minority Health, Public Health, STD Awareness, Immunization and More!

April is Medicaid Awareness Month: Medicaid provides health insurance coverage to over 1.6 million Marylanders.For more information on Medicaid eligibility, click here.

For questions regarding Medicare or Medicaid, visit our website for more information on how a SHIP counselor can answer your questions. https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/state-health-insurance-program.aspx

Boost Your Budget April 11-15 2022: NCOA's Boost Your Budget® Week is an annual campaign to educate low-income older adults about these money-saving benefits. For professionals and advocates, visit: https://ncoa.org/article/boost-your-budget-week

May

Older American’s Month - Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). The 2023 theme is Aging Unbound, which offers an opportunity to explore diverse aging experiences and discuss how communities can combat stereotypes. Join us in promoting flexible thinking about aging – and how we all benefit when older adults remain engaged, independent, and included. Please visit ACL's website with resources and activities to promote Older Americans Month: https://acl.gov/oam/2023/oam-2023-activities-ideas Hashtag #OlderAmericansMonth and #OAM2023

American Stroke and National High Blood Pressure Education Month
Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in the United States and a major cause of adult disability. Many factors may affect a person’s risk for stroke, including high blood pressure. Many of the major risks for these conditions can be prevented and controlled through healthy lifestyle changes.

Mental Health Month https://www.mentalhealthactionday.org/

The 2nd Thursday of May is Maryland Centenarians Recognition Day

The annual World No Tobacco Day campaign (May 31st) is an opportunity to raise awareness on the harmful and deadly effects of tobacco use.

National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a nationwide event for older adults, held the last Wednesday in May during Older Americans Month. Visit https://health.gov/moveyourway to learn more.

June

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week focuses on the actions everyone can take to prevent Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from Medicare fraud by joining us on 6/5 to kick off celebrating this week!

June 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program and to commemorate this event the SMP is creating a national week focused on Medicare fraud prevention. To learn more visit: https://www.smpresource.org/Medicare-Fraud-Prevention-Week.aspx

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15th - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults.

Protect Week June 12-18 2022 - A week long awareness marketing campaign geared at protecting older Americans from financial exploitation. learn how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

Men’s Health Month
The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys.

National Safety Month
Thousands of organizations across the country work to raise awareness of what it takes to stay SafeForLife. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the roads and in our homes and communities.

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month (ABAM) is dedicated to encouraging a global conversation about the brain, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. More than 50 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer's. ABAM is an opportunity to increase awareness of Alzheimer's and dementia and its impact on our communities and call upon people to join the Alzheimer's Association by going purple (the official color of the Alzheimer's movement) and sharing their stories. Learn more at alz.org/abam.

July

Park and Recreation Month
This July, discover your super powers at your local parks and rec! When we work together to further health and wellness, conservation and social equity efforts, awesome things happen!

August

National Immunization Awareness Month - Immunization, or vaccination, helps prevent dangerous and sometimes deadly diseases. To stay protected against serious illnesses like the flu, measles, and pneumonia, adults need to get their shots – just like kids do.

September

Senior Center Month - This September, the National Institute of Senior Centers (NISC) invites you to celebrate the many ways participants Find Balance at Your Center as part of National Senior Center Month! Every day, older adults find balance and whole person wellness at senior centers. Find a full list of Maryland Senior Centers at http://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/SeniorCntrServices.aspx

September is National Healthcare Fraud Prevention and Awareness Month. Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/senior-medicare-patrol.aspx

September 12th is National Report Medicare Fraud Day! Take time to educate yourself on the different types of Medicare fraud by visiting: https://smpresource.news/FraudSchemes.

Food Safety Education Month
September is Food Safety Education Month. Did you know that 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne bacteria each year? Food safety is extremely important for older adults. Adults 65 and older are at an increased risk of serious complications from food poisoning, like hospitalization and death, because their weakened immune systems and changes to their bodies as they age. Visit FoodSafety.gov for more information.

National Assisted Living Week is held the week of Grandparent's Day, which is the Sunday following Labor Day.

September 18 is National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day, a day to combat stigma faced by older Americans with HIV and to address aging-related challenges of HIV testing, prevention, and care. Learn more about the impact of HIV on older adults: https://bit.ly/2Vi0fgJ

September 22 - National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, also the first day of fall, marks the annual National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Falls are the leading cause of injury related emergency department visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures, and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. The event raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. Go to NCOA's Center for Healthy Aging Web site for more resources

October

Residents’ Rights Month is celebrated in October to honor those living in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes, assisted living, board and care, and retirement communities. It provides an opportunity for family members, ombudsmen, citizen advocates, facility staff, and others to focus awareness on the dignity, respect, and value of each individual resident. It also serves as a reminder to those living in a long-term care facility to learn about and exercise their rights.
People who live in nursing homes are protected by the 1987 federal Nursing Home Reform Law. The law requires nursing homes to care for its residents in a manner that promotes and enhances the quality of life of each resident while also ensuring dignity, choice, and self-determination. Some states include residents' rights in state law or regulation for licensed assisted living, and other board and care facilities. Regardless of the type of facility, all people who have made their homes in long-term care facilities maintain their rights as U.S. Citizens. For more information, visit: https://theconsumervoice.org/events/2021-residents-rights-month

During Residents’ Rights Month, we also recognize the states’ long-term care ombudsman programs staff and volunteers across the country. These individuals work daily to promote residents’ rights, assist residents with complaints, and provide information to those who need to find a long-term care facility. Visit Consumer Voice PDF to learn more about history of Residents’ Rights Month

Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of our state’s official exercise and a call to action to promote walking for physical activity and improved health. Walk Leaders are the change agents from different sectors of the community who see the health benefits of walking and encourage fellow Marylanders to take time out of their day to enjoy a walk within their community.

October in Maryland becomes WALKTOBER, a month where the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and other partnering agencies promote and host events and webinars spotlighting Maryland pedestrians' safety, health, and commuting options in current walk programs and Initiatives.

Disability Employment Awareness Month: Governor Larry Hogan has declared October Disability Employment Awareness Month in Maryland. Maryland joins numerous states and the federal government in using the month to recognize the immense contributions of workers with disabilities and the increased economic strength gained through a diverse workforce. Disability Employment Awareness Month is an important opportunity to create greater awareness of the skills individuals with disabilities bring to employers in every sector of Maryland's economy.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, following skin cancer.
As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Maryland health officials are recommending that women be screened regularly for breast cancer. When breast cancer is detected early, it can be easier to treat.

November

Election Day – November 3rd Whether you don’t know if you’re registered to vote, can’t find your polling place, need a ballot, or need to learn about Maryland’s new voting system; MDoA has you covered! For all the Election Information you need, Click here.

National Family Caregivers Month
Our Nation was founded on the fundamental ideal that we all do better when we look out for one another, and every day, millions of Americans from every walk of life balance their own needs with those of their loved ones as caregivers. During National Family Caregivers Month, we reaffirm our support for those who give of themselves to be there for their family, friends, and neighbors in challenging times, and we pledge to carry forward the progress we have made in our health care system and workplaces to give caregivers the resources and flexibility they need.
Caregivers Program: https://aging.maryland.gov/Pages/national-family-caregiver-support.aspx

National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month (NADAM) was signed into proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1983. President Bill Clinton named the week of Thanksgiving as a time to honor caregivers in 1997. That has since expanded to the entire month of November. Throughout the month, please raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease and the challenges of caregiving, and honor the more than 11 million Americans caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease. Learn more at alz.org/nadam.

Native American Heritage Month
As the First Americans, Native Americans have helped shape the future of the United States through every turn of our history. Today, young American Indians and Alaska Natives embrace open-ended possibility and are determining their own destinies.
During National Native American Heritage Month, we pledge to maintain the meaningful partnerships we have with tribal nations, and we renew our commitment to our nation-to- nation relationships as we seek to give all our children the future they deserve.
For more information about exhibits and collections, audio and video, and events, Click here.

Diabetes Awareness Month
Observed every November, this month is an important time to focus our nation’s attention on the disease and the tens of millions of people affected by it. Diabetes disproportionately affects older adults. Approximately 25% of Americans over the age of 60 years have diabetes.
For questions, tips, and events happening near you, Click here.

December

National AIDS Awareness Month is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died from HIV. For more information about practicing safe sex,Click here.

National Drunk & Drugged Driving Prevention Month
No person should suffer the tragedy of losing someone as a result of drunk, drugged, or distracted driving, but for far too long the danger of impaired driving has robbed people of the comfort of knowing that when they or a loved one leaves home they will return safely. Impaired driving puts drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk, and each year it claims the lives of thousands of Americans. During National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, we recommit to preventing these incidents by acting responsibly and by promoting responsible behavior in those around us. Together, we can enhance public safety and work to ensure a happy, healthy life for all our people. To watch a video about how you can drive safely, Click here.

National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day (December 7th) This day is observed annually in the United States to remember and honor the 2,403 citizens who were killed as a result of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on December 7th.

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, (December 5-9th) The five-day observance promotes the importance of mobility and transportation options for seniors and emphasizes the importance of recognizing changes in driving skills and understanding risk factors.

Resources:
AARP Driver Safety Program https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety/
Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-driver-safety/
United States Department of Transportation https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/older-drivers

National Influenza Vaccinations Week It’s more important than ever for everyone to do their part to help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people are getting vaccines which puts their communities at greater risk for other preventable diseases, like the flu. When people get the flu shot, it helps protect them and keeps them from spreading the flu to others. Resources:

Center for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/flu/

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) https://www.cms.gov/flu

Maryland Department of Health https://health.maryland.gov/phpa/influenza/Pages/home.aspx

​Calendar of Events

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Calendar of Events