May 2009 Themes for Community Outreach
American Stroke Month
The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, promotes American Stroke Month each May. During American Stroke Month you can help reduce the impact of strokes on the people in your community. The American Stroke Month Community Awareness Kit can help you, your family, employers/employees, customers or patients become aware of stroke symptoms. Use the materials in this kit during May or anytime during the year to help spread the word about the dangers of stroke and what can be done to prevent and treat it.
Mental Health Month
Mental Health America created Mental Health Month to raise awareness about mental health conditions and the importance of mental wellness for all. MHA’s website is a great resource to find materials and tools for learning more about the role of social connectedness in promoting and protecting mental health. During disasters, many individuals including first responders, victims and their loved-ones may experience trauma and tragedy which can be detrimental to their mental health.
National Older Americans Month
Older Americans in your community are in a unique position to help with Citizen Corps training and activities. With more time on their hands, and an interest in promoting safety, recent retirees are likely to become engaged in volunteer efforts. Provide Citizen Corps speakers at area assisted living facilities and senior centers, and encourage seniors to take an active role in promoting community safety. And be sure to partner with senior volunteer programs such as Senior Corps and RSVP. The Administration on Aging has information and materials for download to help you promote information on aging well and health and safety issues for older Americans.
May 6-12, 2009: National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week is devoted to highlighting the diverse ways in which registered nurses, the largest health care profession, are working to improve health care. From bedside nursing in hospitals and long-term care facilities to the halls of research institutions, state legislatures, and Congress, and disaster response, the depth and breadth of the nursing profession is meeting the expanding health care needs of American society. Use this as an opportunity to highlight your Medical Reserve Corps and recruit additional members. Host outreach efforts on public health issues in your community so that community members meet nurses in your community and have the chance to thank them for their contributions to the wellness of the community. Have the media spotlight a nursing team or individual nurse in your community. More information is posted at NursingWorld.
May 12, 2009: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
While our pets hold a special place in our hearts, unfortunately they often don't hold a place in our disaster preparedness plans. Encourage members of your community to consider their pets when preparing for the approaching hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons and other disasters. And work with shelters in your area to identify pet friendly shelters for pet owners. Provide veterinarians and kennels with tips on disaster preparedness to share with pet owners. Additionally, consider partnering with a local pet store to hold an event offering "pet disaster kit shopping lists" and giveaways such as I.D tags. DHS has a brochure on pet preparedness (PDF file) and a website for kids on preparing pets. The United Animals Nations website also has additional information.
May 10-16, 2009: National Police Week
May 15 has been National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the week containing May 15 has been National Police Week, since President John F. Kennedy signed this observance into law on October 1, 1962. President Clinton later signed a law stipulating that the flag of the United States on all Government buildings be displayed at half-staff on May 15, National Peace Officers' Memorial Day.
Use this week to highlight the work of law enforcements officers in your community and your Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program. Host outreach efforts on crime prevention and home protective measures so that community members meet law enforcement officers informally and have the chance to thank them for their contributions to the safety of the community. Have the media spotlight a law enforcement team, individual officer, or VIPS volunteer in your community.
May 17-23, 2009: National EMS Week
Take the opportunity during National EMS Week to honor first responders – nurses, police and emergency medical service personnel – in your area this month. Set up a round of assemblies at area schools, churches, and community centers during these weeks to honor first responders and better educate all residents about the critical services they provide. Consider inviting local reporters to cover these hometown "roundtables" and include testimonials of citizens who volunteer to support first responders in your community. Include recruitment efforts for your Citizen Corps volunteer programs.
May 17-23, 2009: National Public Works Week
National Public Works Week (NPWW) is a celebration of the tens of thousands of men and women in North America who provide and maintain the infrastructure and services collectively known as public works. Instituted as a public education campaign by the American Public Works Association (APWA) in 1960, NPWW calls attention to the importance of public works in community life. The week seeks to enhance the prestige of the often unsung heroes of our society – the professionals who serve the public good every day with quiet dedication.
The American Public Works Association (APWA) encourages public works agencies and professionals to take the opportunity to make their stories known in their communities. Over the years the observances have taken many forms, including parades, displays of public works equipment, high school essay contests, open houses, programs for civic organizations and media events. More information, including a How-To Guide, is available online.
May 24-30, 2009: Hurricane Preparedness Week
History teaches that a lack of hurricane awareness and preparation are common threads among all major hurricane disasters. By knowing your vulnerability and what actions you should take, you can reduce the effects of a hurricane disaster. The goal of Hurricane Preparedness Week is to inform the public about the hurricane hazards and provide knowledge which can be used to take ACTION. This information can be used to save lives at work, home, while on the road, or on the water. Visit NOAA's website for more information and resources: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/intro.shtml.
May 31, 2009: National Dam Safety Awareness Day
Of over 80,000 dams across the country, 9,000 have been designated by their state as "high hazard dams." Dam safety can affect people and property across borders and an incident in one area can affect commerce, navigation and power generation in another. People who live downstream need to be aware of the risks associated with dams, and understand their local government's evacuation plans. With 95 percent of all dams owned by states, local government, industry or individuals, states have primary responsibility for protecting their populations from dam failure. The focus of National Dam Safety Awareness Day is to empower our citizenry as primary stakeholders in safe dams, and to sustain the public's interest in becoming active partners in local emergency action plans. Resources and outreach materials are available via FEMA's National Dam Safety Program at http://www.fema.gov/plan/prevent/damfailure/ndsp.shtm and the Association of State Dam Safety Officials at http://www.damsafety.org/.