Awareness Campaign Calendar

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This calendar aims to help the community to spread awareness through recognition, celebration and proactive actions. These events can serve as reference points to help you educate people about various substance abuse and mental health issues and how they can help.

JANUARY

• Dry January is recognized as a time for abstaining from alcohol for the first month of the New Year to promote healthy activities and a fresh start. This works well for “sober curious” people who want to see how taking a break from drinking alcohol can impact their lives.
• Mental Wellness Month is recognized as a time for promoting awareness and understanding of mental health, its impact, and the importance of mental well-being. Be apart of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and celebrate during January. 
• Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month is a time to raise awareness about substance use disorders, offer support, share resources, and break down barriers that keep people from seeking help. 
• National Codependency Awareness Month is set aside to raise awareness of the negative impacts of codependent behavior. 
• Parent Mental Health Day is observed on January 30, 2026, to raise awareness about the mental health of parents and caregivers. 
• National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is observed on January 11 each year and aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and encourages everyone to wear blue on this day.  

FEBRUARY

• Black History Month is observed annually in February to honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout history. 
• Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month is held every February to raise awareness about the prevalence of dating violence among teens. This month promotes health relationships and serves as an opportunity to educate young people about the signs of unhealthy relationships and the importance of consent. 
• SAMHSA’s Prevention Day is recognized on February 2, 2026 as a day dedicated to bringing together prevention practitioners, scientists, leaders, and consumers to advance the prevention of substance use and misuse. An event is hosted on this day in National Harbor, MD for attendees to explore current, emerging, and innovative strategies, policies, programs, practices, and research. 

MARCH

• Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a national campaign held annually in March to increase public awareness of problem gambling and promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services. 
• Women’s History Month is celebrated every March to honor and recognize the contributions of women throughout history, culture, and society. 
• Gambling Disorder Screening Day is held annually on the second Tuesday of March.
• National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week® (NDAFW) This is an annual event focused on      the science of drug use and addiction that educates and empowers youth to make informed decisions about substance use and their health. To learn the specific dates each year, go to www.www.nida.nih.gov/research-topics/national-drug-alcohol-facts-week.
• National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week occurs annually during the last week of March to raise awareness about the unique health needs and disparities faced by the LGBTQ+ community, promoting accessible and inclusive healthcare. 
• World Teen Mental Health Day is observed on March 2nd every year and dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health issues adolescents face. 

APRIL

• National Alcohol Awareness Month is a time to raise awareness and understanding of alcohol use and misuse during the month of April. It offers communities a chance to gain more understanding of how individuals struggle with alcohol use and offers resources and support. Every April the National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) sponsors Alcohol Awareness Month to increase awareness and understanding of the causes and treatment of the nation’s #1 public health problem: alcoholism. 
• National Alcohol Screening Day is observed on the Thursday of the first full week of April each year. This day aims to raise awareness about the harmful effect of alcohol abuse and alcohol dependency. 
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is held two times a year, typically on the last Saturday of the months of April and October. To learn the specific dates each year, go to www.dea.gov/takebackday. 
• National Fentanyl Awareness Day is observed on the last Tuesday in April annually. This day unites major corporations, nonprofits, community groups, schools, and families to act to protect young lives from deadly fentanyl and fake prescription pills. 

MAY

• Mental Health Awareness Month observed every May, has long been used to educate the public and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues, so much so that the White House in 2014 decreed May as National Mental Health Awareness Month. Over 42 million Americans live with or will experience a mental health condition in a year. Learn      more about Mental Health Month.
• National Prevention Week is observed from May 10-16, 2026, and is a public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country that are preventing substance use and misuses and promoting positive mental health. 
• World Maternal Mental Health Day is observed annually on the first Wednesday in May to raise awareness about the mental health challenges many women face during and after pregnancy. This day promotes reducing stigma surrounding these issues and encourages more women to seek help if they are facing mental health challenges. 
• Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day is observed on May 8th to highlight the importance of mental health for children’s overall development and well-being. An estimated one in five youth have a diagnosable mental, emotional or behavioral disorder, yet do not receive the help they need. Promote this day to bring attention to the mental      health needs of children and young people. 
• World No Tobacco Day (May 31st) The World Health Organization and its partners use this  day to highlight tobacco use’s damaging health consequences and promote policies that will reduce tobacco consumption worldwide. Learn more about World No Tobacco Day.

JUNE

• PTSD Awareness Month: It’s estimated that as many as 8 percent of Americans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition is the result of being a victim of, or even a witness to a traumatic event, such as violence, tragic accidents and sexual assault and abuse among others. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is among the many organizations that teach people how to seek help for this serious disorder. Learn more about PTSD Awareness Month.
• Men’s Health Month: The entire month of June is dedicated to men’s health, with a focus on Men’s Health Week during the week leading up to Father’s Day.
• Men’s Health Week: Annually during the week leading up to Father’s Day. 
• World Drug Day is observed annually on June 26th to raise awareness about the consequences of substance misuse and illicit drug trafficking. On this day, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime publishes its annual World Drug Report. 

JULY

• National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is observed every July to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by racial and ethnic minority groups. 

AUGUST

• Wear It Purple Day is observed on the last Friday of August annually and encourages young people to wear purple to celebrate diversity and support LGBTQIA+ individuals. 
• National Grief Awareness Day is observed on August 30th each year to raise awareness about the impact of grief and to support those who have experienced loss. 
• International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD) is August 31. Visit overdoseday.com to learn more.

SEPTEMBER

• National Recovery Month is September. During #RecoveryMonth, we recognize and      honor the resilience and strength of those on their journey to better health and wellness. To learn more about SAMHSA’s #RecoverySupport efforts, visit samhsa.gov/recovery. Visit rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org to learn more. 
• National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is held in September to observe the preventable tragedy of suicide, the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Organizations such as the American Foundation for the Prevention of Suicide (AFSP) use this time to promote education on the signs of depression and other conditions that can result in suicidal tendencies. AFSP also provides information and resources about how to prevent these tragedies. Learn more about Suicide Prevention Week.
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Awareness Month is in September annually to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and promote prevention and support for affected individuals. FASD is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to lifeline physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges. The month aims to educate the public about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to support individuals and families affected by FASD. 
• National Kinship Care Awareness Month is celebrated in September to recognize and support family members and kin who provide care and support for children and youth. This month highlights the importance of kinship care in maintaining family connections and stability. 
• Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15 to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture on the nation’s achievements, history, and society. 
• National Self-Care Awareness Month is observed every September to encourage individuals to prioritize their well-being and practice self-care regularly. 
• World Suicide Prevention Day is held every September 10th to raise awareness around the globe that suicide can be prevented. 
• National Sober Day is observed on September 14th each year to promote sobriety, raise awareness about the benefits of living drug and alcohol free, and encourage individuals to support those in recovery. 
• Addiction Professionals Days is celebrated annually on September 20th to honor the hard work of addiction professionals who dedicate their lives to the substance use and mental health field. 

OCTOBER

• October is Youth Substance Use Prevention Month and Substance Misuse Prevention Month. To learn more visit: www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/prevention-month
• National Depression Screening Day: With events hosted on college campuses, military bases and in communities around the country, this event takes place during Mental Illness Awareness Week. Volunteers offer optional depression screening tools for those who want it and provide information and resources for private screenings at Help Yourself. Help Others. Learn more about National Depression Screening Day.
• Red Ribbon Week is sponsored by Drug-Free America and the National Family Partnership (NFP), October 23 to 31 is set aside each year to kick off a red ribbon campaign that symbolizes a commitment to raising awareness around the consequences of drug abuse. NFP’s website is a hub for each campaign’s theme and provides resources for people and communities that want to hold events. Learn more about Red Ribbon Week.
• Mental Illness Awareness Week is held the first week in October to raise awareness      about the importance of mental health. The week is dedicated to educating      communities about reducing stigma surround mental illnesses, providing support, and encouraging open conversations about mental health. 
• National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been hosting the National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day each year since 2010, which is scheduled for the last Saturday in October (and April). Learn more about Drug Take Back Day.
• World Mental Health Day is celebrated every October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. 

NOVEMBER

• National Homeless Youth Awareness Month is recognized in November to bring light to and address challenges faced by young people experiencing homelessness. During this month, education is needed surrounding the causes of youth homelessness, the strength of those experiencing it, and advocates for policies and programs that provide safety, stability, and hope. 
• National Family Caregivers Month is observed in November to recognize the support of family caregivers across the United States. 
• Responsible Gift Giving Month is observed in November to reflect on the importance of responsible gift-giving. This month is a time to consider the impact of gifts and make choices that align with values. 
• Native American Heritage Month is celebrated every November to honor the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. 
• National Family Week is observed in the United States every November 24 to 30th to emphasize the importance of family connections and community support for children’s well-being. 
• Children’s Grief Awareness Day is celebrated on the third Thursday of November each year to raise awareness about the impact of grief on children and emphasizes the importance of providing support to grieving children and families. 
• Great American Smokeout is the third Thursday of every November, for more than 40 years, has been an opportunity for people to join others in quitting their tobacco habits, whether it’s cigarettes, smokeless tobacco, and even vaping. The American Cancer Society sponsors this annual event and offers tools, resources and strategies for people to improve their health by living tobacco-free. Learn more about Great American Smokeout.

DECEMBER

• National Impaired Driving Prevention Month is held annually during the month of December. Unfortunately, rates of driving while impaired has increased, according to a 2016 presidential report. The rise in states allowing for medicinal and recreational marijuana is definitely one reason the roads aren’t as safe as they should be. As the holidays are in full swing, this awareness event is an excellent way to raise the potentially tragic outcomes of driving while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, prescription or even over-the-counter medications. Learn more about DUI Roadside Tests.
• National Grief Awareness Week is observed the first week in December and is dedicated to raising awareness about grief and loss. It aims to break the stigma surrounding grief, acknowledge grief as a natural response to loss, and that it can affect individuals in various ways. 
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities is held annually on December 3rd to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities and raise awareness about their situation in society.