November is Native American Heritage Month! This annual observance celebrates the rich cultures, traditions, and contributions of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations. It is also an opportunity to honor the legacy and stories of Tribal nations and indigenous communities in the United States.
This year, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Minority Health (OMH) is observing Native American Heritage Month with the theme Be the Source for Better Health: Improving AI/AN Health Outcomes Through Our Cultures, Communities, and Connections. The theme calls on each of us to better understand how unique environments, cultures, and histories (known as social determinants of health, or SDOH) impact AI/AN populations and their overall health.
Certain social and economic circumstances can impact AI/AN health outcomes and increase their risk for many preventable health conditions. Initiatives and programs that honor Tribal customs and traditions can help address AI/AN health disparities.
Visit the OMH Native American Heritage Month webpage to learn more about SDOH and access shareable graphics, messages, and resources to help improve AI/AN health.
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Lung Cancer Awareness Month is observed each November to raise awareness about lung cancer and the importance of regular screenings to help save lives. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
Racial and ethnic minority groups and AI/AN communities face worse health outcomes compared to white individuals because they are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to not receive any treatment. Close to two-thirds of the 28 million uninsured people living in the United States are people of color, and research is clear that having health coverage impacts people’s medical care and ultimately their health outcomes.
According to the American Lung Association (ALA), in 2023, early diagnosis was lower among Black (23%), Latino (23%), Asian or Pacific Islander (23%), and AI/AN people (24%) compared to white people (27%). Screenings for high-risk individuals can help detect lung cancer at an early stage when it may be easier to treat.
Access resources for lung cancer screening, prevention, and treatment on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Lung Cancer webpage, also available in Spanish. Healthcare professionals can also use the site to access information to help patients lower their risk of lung cancer. Visit the ALA Lung Cancer Awareness Month webpage to learn about their LUNG FORCE initiative and how you can share your story to raise awareness about lung cancer.
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November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, a time to increase awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it.
Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth-leading cause of death among Americans age 65 and older in the United States, and according to the Alzheimer's Association, non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic older adults are more likely than white older adults to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias.
Racial and ethnic minority and AI/AN communities often face discrimination when seeking health care for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. In 2021, Black/African Americans reported the highest level of discrimination in dementia health care at 50% followed by AI/AN people (42%), Asian Americans (34%), and Hispanics/Latinos (33%).
Light the World in Teal is the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) annual program where more than 1,300 structures around the world “go teal” to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s. This year’s Light the World in Teal takes place on November 1, 2024. On November 2, you can wear teal and update your social media cover photo to show your support and help raise awareness.
Visit AFA's Alzheimer’s Awareness Month webpage to find resources for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers, facts about Alzheimer’s disease, and tips for healthy aging. Read the White House Proclamation on National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month 2024 to learn more about what is being done by the federal government to help treat and prevent this disease.
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November is National Diabetes Month, and this year’s focus is on taking action to prevent diabetes related health problems. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. It affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. Diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer.
But there’s also good news: Taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems.
This National Diabetes Month, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) is recommending everyone take charge by:
- Knowing your risk for developing diabetes.
- Managing your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
- Taking small steps toward healthy habits.
- Taking your medicines on time.
- Reaching or maintaining a healthy weight.
- Taking care of your mental health.
- Working with your health care team.
Visit the NIDDK National Diabetes Month website to download their toolkit and to find tips on how to help take charge of your diabetes and prevent health problems.
November 14 is also World Diabetes Day (WDD) with nearly 200 activities planned in 72 countries around the globe. You can submit an activity for WDD to get involved and support the call for well-being to be put at the heart of diabetes care.
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National Rural Health Day (NRHD), observed on the third Thursday of November, celebrates the efforts of rural health care providers, organizations, local health departments, and other stakeholders dedicated to addressing the challenges and unique healthcare needs of rural America.
NRHD is an opportunity to explore ways health professionals, organizations, state and local governments, and others can address these disparities and improve health outcomes.
Join the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health on November 21 at 2 p.m. ET for a live webinar celebrating NRHD. This year’s event spotlights the transformative impact of the Health Resources and Services Administration's (HRSA) Rural Communities Opioid Response Program, featuring powerful success stories and innovative strategies from award recipients and key partners. Register now to discover how these community-driven approaches can be adapted to drive lasting change in your own community.
Explore NRHD resources from HRSA to learn more about topics like addressing substance use disorder in rural communities and supporting rural workforce development. You can also find NRHD graphics, content for social media, planning guides, a bilingual coloring book, and more at the Power of Rural website to help you promote the “Power of Rural” with your networks.
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In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the OMH Knowledge Center is sharing a collection of articles featured in a focus issue of Health Promotion Practice titled “Indigenous Food Sovereignty as a Path to Health Equity.” The articles feature the OMH Center for Indigenous Innovation and Health Equity (CIIHE) and describe the development and application of a food sovereignty conceptual framework for health.
You can access this collection through the OMH Knowledge Center online catalog.
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