March Healthcare Recognition Days for 2023

March ushers in spring with longer days and plenty of sunshine. March also has healthcare recognition days that you might not have known! Jot down these awareness days to learn more about what is going on in the healthcare community this March.

Month Observances

Brain Injury Awareness Month

According to the Brain Injury Association of America, more than 2.8 million U.S. citizens endure a traumatic brain injury each year, and one in 60 Americans live with a permanent disability related to a brain injury. The theme for this healthcare holiday in 2023 is #MoreThanMyBrainInjury, a time when people who have suffered a brain injury can share their stories, tear down misconceptions, and raise awareness for this underfunded healthcare issue.

National Nutrition Month®

Most of us could probably do better about eating a healthy, nutritious diet. National Nutrition Month® aims to educate people about their food choices and show them how to incorporate nutrient-packed foods into their meals. One fun way to observe this holiday is by trying new flavors from other cultures!

Red Cross Month

Celebrated since 1943, Red Cross Month honors those who’ve helped the American Red Cross in its mission to save lives. You can participate in this month-long recognition by giving blood, making sure you have updated certifications for lifesaving skills like CPR or First Aid, donating, and volunteering.

Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month

About 3 million people across the U.S. are affected by bleeding disorders, where their bodies cannot form a proper blood clot. This year, the theme for Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month is “Start the Conversation.” You can start a conversation by decking yourself out in red – the official color of bleeding disorders, sharing your own story about bleeding disorders, and diving into your family history to see if bleeding disorders run in your bloodline.

National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know that everyone should get screened for colorectal cancer starting at 45 years old? According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, this disease can impact anyone, but there are hurdles for some people living with colorectal cancer. This month, advocate for screening, high-quality care, medicine, and more so that people living with this disease can get timely treatment.

National Kidney Month

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says approximately nine in 10 people living with chronic kidney disease are unaware that they have it. People with high blood pressure or diabetes are at higher risk for developing it. The focus for this healthcare holiday is to get people who have kidney disease more involved in their care by working with a doctor to create a treatment plan that fits their lifestyle, following that treatment plan, and incorporating better habits into their life.

National Endometriosis Awareness Month

Endometriosis is one of the leading causes of infertility and can come with severe menstrual cycles, fatigue, bowel disorders, and more. Not everyone will experience these symptoms, leading to the disease going undiagnosed. There isn’t a cure for this disease, but treatment options help patients manage it. More research is needed to understand endometriosis, which is a great reason to advocate for funding during National Endometriosis Awareness Month.

Week Observances

National Sleep Awareness Week – March 12 – 18, 2023

This one is significant for healthcare travelers. You need your rest! You provide extraordinary care to patients all over the nation, but that level of care will dwindle when you are running on fumes. Good sleep leads to good health, so the National Sleep Foundation wants you to be your Best Slept Self™. Learn about how to get your best Zs from the National Sleep Foundation’s blog.

MS Awareness Week – March 12 – 19, 2023

MS Awareness Week was created to help people understand what it is like to live with multiple sclerosis and help their communities unite in raising awareness, funds, and voices to find a cure for the disease. You can participate in MS Awareness Week by finding an event, like a walk or bike challenge, in your area that fundraises for MS research.

National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week – March 20 – 26, 2023

This week aims to teach teens about the science behind drug use and abuse. Help spread the message to prevent substance misuse by linking teens to the facts about drugs.

LGBTQ Health Awareness Week – March 26 – April 1, 2023

During this week, folks are encouraged to open up about LGBTQ+ health and help end stigmas by advocating for inclusive and accessible healthcare for all. Show your support on social media and by opening the floor for those in the LBGTQ+ community to speak up.

Day Observances

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day – March 8

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are experts who can explain the science behind nutrition and healthy eating and how to apply it to your life. They are focused on helping patients make positive changes to their nutrition habits to live healthier lives. If you know an RDN, be sure to tell them ‘thank you’ on this day!

Certified Nurses Day™ – March 19

Healthcare travelers know all about licenses and certifications. This day recognizes the people dedicated to nursing professionalism and excellence in patient care by getting their needed certifications. Why not pat yourself on the back for keeping up with your certifications and thank the QA teams for reminding you what’s due?

World Down Syndrome Day – March 21

World Down Syndrome Day is recognized on March 21 to represent the triplication of the 21st chromosome, which leads to Down syndrome. Celebrating is easy and fun! Enjoy the company of someone with Down syndrome, advocate for their inclusion in all areas of life, donate money, or show your love by wearing crazy, mismatched socks! Why wear crazy socks? It starts a conversation, so you can tell people about all the ways they can support people with Down syndrome.

American Diabetes Alert Day – March 22

You likely know someone who lives with diabetes, or you might even have it yourself. This recognition day serves to educate others about the types of diabetes, the risks associated with diabetes, and how to live a healthier life with it. Wear red – the color of diabetes awareness – to participate in Diabetes Alert Day.

World Tuberculosis Day – March 24

On March 24, 1882, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB) was discovered, and this discovery paved the way for methods to cure TB. Though about a quarter of the world is infected with TB bacteria, only a small percentage of these people become sick. It’s essential to combat medical gaps to get those sickened by TB the care they need. Help close the gap by spreading awareness of the efforts to eliminate TB on World Tuberculosis Day.

Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness – March 26

Approximately 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, which causes seizures. Purple Day exists to let people with epilepsy know they aren’t alone. So, show your support by donning purple and letting people living with epilepsy know that you care! Be a better advocate by learning facts about epilepsy and first aid information for seizures.

National Doctors Day – March 30

Celebrating this holiday is easy to accomplish! Doctors work alongside you in the hospital as you both put the welfare of others above all else. Say ‘thanks’ to the doctors you work with as you team up to provide quality patient care.