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Home >Policies & Resources >Resources >NIH Special Emphasis Programs & Annual Observances

NIH Special Emphasis Programs & Annual Observances

January

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance

OEODM Contact: Michael Chew

Commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, emphasizing his ideals for a colorblind society through speeches, dance, songs, and skits; usually held prior to the National Holiday; televised to NIH locations on and off campus.

February

African American History Month

OEODM Contact: Charly Wells

Program or activity on campus commemorating African Americans' past and present contributions to America; panels and speeches; may also highlight a particular concern of African Americans, e.g., bone marrow donations; adoption of African American children.

March

Women's History Month

OEODM Contact: Molly Gleeson

Program or activity on campus commemorating women's past and present contributions; presentations addressing present-day concerns of women; activities to sensitize both women and men to issues such as pay equity, glass ceiling, and balancing family and work life.

Deaf Awareness Program

OEODM Contact: Gary Morin

The NIH Deaf Employees Advisory Forum (DEAF) is an employee organization that addresses the concerns of the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing employees in the work environment. The DEAF members take the lead in planning a biannual Deaf Awareness Program for the NIH community, consisting of speakers, panelists, and dramatizations.

April

Take Your Child To Work

OEODM Contact: Gary Morin

Though ordinarily announced as Take Your Daughter To Work, the NIH elected to sponsor activities for children (ages 9 to 15 years old) whose parents work at NIH. Activities provide children an opportunity to learn of the contributions parents make to the general health of the country, the roles they play in accomplishing the NIH mission, and opportunities to learn new career ideas through talks, tours, and demonstrations.

May

Asian American/Pacific Islander Heritage Month

OEODM Contact: Charly Wells

Program or activity on campus commemorating Asian American/Pacific Islander's past and present contributions through music and dances; a noontime luncheon where Asian vendors are present with Asian food and other events focused on topics that expose participants to Asian American/Pacific Islander cultures.

June

Gay and Lesbian Awareness Month

OEODM Contact: Michael Chew

The NIH Gay and Lesbian Employee Forum (GLEF) sponsors educational sessions to promote awareness of issues, such as employment discrimination, domestic partner benefits, and barriers to healthcare.

September/October

Hispanic Heritage Month

OEODM Contact: Pedro Morales (Acting)

Program activity on campus commemorating Hispanics' past and present contributions; presenters and panelists lecture on current subjects, particularly in areas of science and medicine. Cultural activities promote awareness of Hispanic music, dance, and food.

November

American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month

OEODM Contact: Michael Chew

Program or activity commemorating Native Americans' past and present contributions. The NIH supports the interagency heritage and awareness program, sponsored by the Indian Health Service, usually held at the Parklawn Building. The annual program features speakers on topics of concern to Native Americans such as healthcare, diseases, and employment opportunities.

Disability Employment Awareness Month

OEODM Contact: Carlton Coleman

Program or activity on campus commemorating past and present contributions of persons with disabilities; education and awareness activities bring attention to the problems that confront persons with disabilities and make able-bodied persons more aware of abilities rather than disabilities. Program may consist of educational presentations and demonstrations of reasonable accommodation equipment and other assistive devices.