Rare Disease Day is the globally-coordinated movement on rare diseases, working towards equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and therapies for people living with a rare disease. Since its creation in 2008, Rare Disease Day has played a critical part in building an international rare disease community that is multi-disease, global, and diverse– but united in purpose.

Throughout February, organizations, and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about dating violence, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. With their adult allies, youth activists achieved a major victory in 2005 and 2013 when the importance of addressing teen dating abuse was highlighted in the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Both Chambers of Congress have declared the entire month of February to teen dating violence awareness and prevention.

This is the last week of National Cancer Prevention Month! Research has shown that more than 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed and nearly half of all deaths from cancer in the United States can be attributed to preventable causes – things like smoking, excess body weight, physical inactivity, and excessive exposure to the sun. Click on the link in our bio to read on the seven steps you can take to prevent cancer.

Today is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day, highlighting heart valve disease's specific risks and symptoms, improving detection and treatment, and ultimately saving lives. While heart valve disease can be disabling and deadly, available treatments can save lives, making education and awareness important. On this day and throughout the year, the campaign partners—100+ non-profits, advocacy organizations, professional societies, foundations, hospitals, and heart centers—are helping to spread the word about valve disease.

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (NEDAwareness Week) is an annual campaign to educate the public about the realities of eating disorders and to provide hope, support, and visibility to individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDAwareness Week 2022 will take place during the week of February 21 - February 27, 2022.

February is International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month, an observance to promote awareness of infections transmitted from mother to baby. Prenatal infections include bacterial or viral illnesses that can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or during the delivery process. Due to the serious consequences for mother and baby, prenatal infection prevention is a critical component of maternal and child health promotion.   

Did you know that people who have close relationships at home, work, or in their community tend to be healthier and live longer? One reason, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), is that we’re more successful at meeting our health goals when we work on them with others. NHLBI launched the #OurHearts movement to inspire us to protect and strengthen our hearts with the support of others. 

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD) is Monday, February 7. Black communities have made great progress in reducing HIV. Yet racism, discrimination, and mistrust in the health care system may affect whether Black people seek or receive HIV prevention services. These issues may also reduce the likelihood of engaging in HIV treatment and care.

The Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program, launched nationally in 2003 by the American Dental Association, provides underserved children with free oral health care. This is an opportunity for kids who can’t usually afford to see a dentist receive free dental care. Dentists, as well as dental hygienists, assistants, and other volunteers, use their time and talents to ensure that children are given the dental care they need and deserve all across the country.

World Cancer Day held every 4 February is the global uniting initiative led by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). By raising worldwide awareness, improving education, and catalyzing personal, collective, and government action, we are all working together to reimagine a world where millions of preventable cancer deaths are saved and access to life-saving cancer treatment and care is equitable for all - no matter who you are or where you live.