 November is Native American Heritage Month (NAHM). NAHM is a national celebration of the rich heritage, cultures, traditions and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities in the U.S., and a time to raise awareness about AI/AN health gaps and disparities by providing a platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities in helping to end health disparities.
This year, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) will focus its efforts on building awareness about health and health disparities, including adolescent obesity and diabetes, in the AI/AN community. Visit the Native American Heritage Month webpage for downloadable materials, events and health resources during the observance period. And watch the HHS Native American Heritage Month celebration here.
 Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited red blood disorders. Sickle cell disease affects millions globally and disproportionately impacts certain racial and ethnic populations including African Americans, Latinos and people of Middle Eastern, Indian, Asian and Mediterranean descent. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that sickle cell disease affects approximately 100,000 individuals in the U.S.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is committed to reducing the burden of this disease. HHS is continuing to focus its efforts on helping to raise awareness about the importance of sickle cell disease research and treatment. Federal, state, local, tribal and territorial partners, people living with sickle cell disease, and family and caregivers are encouraged to visit the Sickle Cell Awareness website to watch the Sickle Cell Stories videos, featuring a conversation with Assistant Secretary for Health ADM Brett P. Giroir and Surgeon General VADM Jerome M. Adams about HHS efforts to address SCD and the stories of people living with sickle cell disease, family members and advocates.
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 National Diabetes Month is observed every year in November to raise awareness of diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and blindness, and is the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
This year's theme for National Diabetes Month is focusing on gestational diabetes, which is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. For more information about gestational diabetes prevention, upcoming activities and resources visit the National Diabetes Month website.
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 National Family History Day, as declared by the U.S. Surgeon General in 2004, is celebrated every year on Thanksgiving Day. During holiday family gatherings, the Surgeon General encourages Americans to talk about the health problems that may recur in their family's health history.
Keeping a record of the illnesses that impacted your parents, grandparents, and other blood relatives can help your doctor predict the disorders that you may be at risk for and take action to help keep you and your family stay healthy. Learn more about the Surgeon General’s Family Health History Initiative and resources available to help organize family health history information.
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 The National Institutes of Health’s All of Us Research Program is a historic effort to gather data from one million or more people living in the U.S. to accelerate research and improve health. The mission of the All of Us Research Program is to speed up health breakthroughs by collecting health information from one million participants. The information collected will be used for future health studies to improve health. Learn more about the importance of Hispanic/Latino participation in research studies here. Visit the All of Us Research Program website to learn more about the valiant efforts of NIH research and how you can participate.
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 In observance of National Diabetes Month, the Knowledge Center online catalog features several publications on the impact of diabetes. Search here for additional information.
In recognition of Native American Heritage Month, the Knowledge Center highlights recent reports that identify health disparities among American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Search here to see recent reports or request additional information.
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