Sept. 19, 2019 – Governor Roy Cooper recently issued proclamations for numerous awareness efforts and causes the NC Department of Health and Human Services is involved in with the support of partners throughout the state. Those include:
Overdose Awareness Day
National Overdose Awareness Day, commemorated on Aug. 31, is an opportunity to honor and commemorate loved ones who have been lost to the opioid crisis and substance use disorders and to challenge the stigma associated with drug use and overdose. In 2017, approximately six North Carolinians died each day from unintentional medication or drug overdose. For the first time in five years, that number has gone down. Overdose Awareness Day recognizes the ongoing work to prevent this from happening, reduce harm and help people recover.
Recovery Month
North Carolina encourages people to observe National Recovery Month by increasing awareness and understanding of substance use disorders and help more people achieve and sustain long-term recovery. NCDHHS, along with private and public partners across the state, lift up the challenge and progress to make the services and supports necessary for recovery available to all North Carolinians.
Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is a statewide and national public health problem, and suicide prevention is a statewide and national responsibility. In recognizing National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services encourages all North Carolinians to play a role in providing awareness, quality care and education to help save a life.
Centennial Anniversary of the North Carolina Office of Public Health Nursing
Established by the State Board of Health as the Bureau of Public Health Nursing and Infant Hygiene in 1919, the Office of Public Health Nursing was the first state-supported public health nursing body in North Carolina. The state of North Carolina and the North Carolina Public Health Association join in celebrating the Office of Public Health Nursing’s 100th anniversary of service to the people of our state.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed non-skin cancer among men in the United States. During Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, people are encouraged to become informed about cancer detection and to raise awareness, promote resources and advocate support for men and their families affected by this disease in our communities.
Senior Center Month
Senior centers are recognized for providing helpful resources to older adults and serving the entire community with information on aging and support for family caregivers. With 171 senior centers in 97 counties, the centers empower older people to contribute to their own health and the health and well-being of citizens of all ages.
SepticSmart Week, Sept. 16-20
Proper septic system use and routine care are vital to protecting public health by preserving our highly-valued groundwater, lakes, streams, and waterways and avoiding costly repairs that can result from neglect. SepticSmart Week recognizes the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s SepticSmart program, which North Carolina health officials use to educate homeowners about proper septic system use and routine maintenance.
Adult Day Services Week, Sept. 15-21
Adult day services programs enable adults with functional and/or cognitive impairments to receive needed care and services in a community setting, while often allowing their family caregivers the opportunity to work or take respite from caregiving duties. Adult Day Services Week honors the dedicated individuals and organizations who provide these services to people in our communities.