MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Health Awareness Observances
National awareness observances and recognition days are dedicated to raising awareness about important topics, including health and social issues. As we anticipate the arrival of fall, September and October play host to several different health-related awareness months.
September:
• National Recovery Month: Mental health and addiction recovery
• National Suicide Prevention Month: Reminder to look out for loved ones, people in our community, and those who have been impacted
• Pain Awareness Month: Issues related to pain and pain management
• World Alzheimer’ s Month: Challenge the stigma that persists around Alzheimer’ s disease and all types of dementia
October:
• National ADHD Awareness Month: Provide reliable information and resources to help people thrive with ADHD
• Mental Illness Awareness Week( October 6-12): Mental health conditions
• National Depression Screening Day( October 7): Depression screening resources and ways to support mental health
• World Mental Health Day( October 10): Mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health
Health awareness observances can be beneficial for individuals and communities by helping to reduce the stigma surrounding illnesses and conditions, and improve overall knowledge and prevention action. They can increase empathy and understanding, help to foster open discussions, promote preventative care, increase access to resources and support networks, and help to serve as catalyst for increased research funding and overall policy change.
ADA and PDA offer various resources to those seeking help or information for a variety of wellness concerns.
Visit ADA’ s website: https:// www. ada. org / resources / practice / wellness and PDA’ s website: https:// www. padental. org / wellness for more information.
A list of health observances and recognition dates for the entire calendar year can be found here: https:// www. shsmd. org / 2025-healthobservances-calendar.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2025 | PENNSYLVANIA DENTAL JOURNAL 29