February - Awareness Months, Days & Observances

February, the shortest yet intriguingly eclectic month of the year, sweeps onto the scene with a dynamic assortment of awareness days that unite, educate, and inspire us all to make the world a better place.

As the chilly air of winter begins to recede, this month symbolizes the transition from the old to the new, and what better way to embrace that spirit than by raising awareness about vital social and environmental causes?

From promoting environmental conservation and sustainability practices to advocating for equality and mental well-being, February is an exciting platform for individuals and communities to come together on any number of special days and observances and work towards a brighter future.

So, without further ado, let's explore the breadth of February's awareness days and uncover many opportunities to make a difference.

Read more about what people have to say about the second month of the year with our February Quotes.

Full calendar of awareness months:
Jan · Feb · Mar · Apr · May · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep · Oct · Nov · Dec

February Awareness Month-Long Events

American Heart Month

(USA)

As one of the recognized National Health Observances, American Heart Month is an annual event to raise awareness about heart disease and stroke and promote heart health. The American Heart Association offers health tips and educational information aimed at helping people reduce their risk factors for heart disease.

Read more: American Heart Month.
Related: Official Website.

Black History Month

(USA, UK, Canada)

Black History Month is dedicated to celebrating and acknowledging the contributions and achievements of Black people throughout history. This observance helps bring attention to systemic racism, culture, and achievements and promotes equality and social justice.

Read more: Black History Month.
Official websites: USA | UK | Canada
Related: Equality Quotes.

LGBT History Month

(UK)

LGBT History Month is an annual event to celebrate the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and promote awareness regarding their rights, history, and struggles for social equality and acceptance.

Related: Official Website | Pride Quotes.

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

(USA)

Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of dating violence among teens and promotes education on healthy dating relationships, consent, and communication. This month encourages communities to engage in activities and discussions to promote safer relationships for young people.

Related: Official Website.

National Cancer Prevention Month

(USA)

National Cancer Prevention Month is observed annually in February, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of cancer prevention and adopting healthy lifestyles to reduce cancer risk. Throughout the month, various organizations, educational institutions, and communities unite to promote cancer screenings, preventive measures, and research to minimize the impact of this disease on individuals and families.

Related: Official Website.

Children's Dental Health Month

(USA)

Children's Dental Health Awareness Month is an annual event that aims to promote optimal oral health in children. Dentists, schools, and healthcare organizations participate in this initiative, providing dental screenings, educational materials, and resources to parents and children to ensure appropriate dental care.

Related: Official Website.

February Awareness Days

World Wetlands Day

February 2 (Global)

World Wetlands Day aims to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. Wetlands are essential for biodiversity, water management, and climate change mitigation.

Read more: World Wetlands Day.
Related: Official Website | Water Pollution Facts.

National Women Physicians Day

February 3 (USA)

National Women Physicians Day is an annual event that celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of female doctors in the medical field. This day, held on the birthday of Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, the first female physician in the United States, honors the strength, dedication, and resilience of women physicians who continue to break barriers and strive for equality in the healthcare sector.

Read more: National Women Physicians Day.

World Cancer Day

February 4 (Global)

World Cancer Day raises awareness about cancer prevention, detection, and treatment and encourages collaboration to fight the global burden of cancer. The goal is to reduce the number of cancer-related deaths and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.

Read more: World Cancer Day.
Related: Official Website.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

February 7th (USA)

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is an annual observance that aims to increase awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment among the Black community. This day encourages discussions and actions surrounding the impact of HIV/AIDS in the community and promotes education on prevention, testing, and support for those living with the condition.

National Wear Red Day

First Friday of February (USA)

National Wear Red Day is an initiative by the American Heart Association to help raise awareness about cardiovascular diseases and hearth health care, particularly among women. Participants wear red clothing and accessories, attend events, and share information on maintaining heart health.

Read more: National Wear Red Day.
Related: Official Website.

International Epilepsy Day

February 14 (Global)

International Epilepsy Day aims to raise awareness and understanding of epilepsy, a neurological disorder affecting people of all ages. The day promotes advocacy, research, and support for those living with epilepsy and their families.

Related: Official Website.

Safer Internet Day

Second Tuesday of February (Global)

Safer Internet Day encourages the responsible and safe use of digital technology, especially among children and young people. This event promotes awareness of online safety, cyberbullying prevention, and digital citizenship.

Read more: Safer Internet Day.
Related: Official Website.

National Health Through Fitness Day

Second Wednesday of February (USA)

National Health Through Fitness Day is an annual event that encourages individuals, schools, and communities to prioritize fitness and healthy habits to achieve overall well-being, promoting environmental sustainability by reducing resource consumption related to healthcare and diseases.

National Freedom to Marry Day

February 12 (USA)

National Freedom to Marry Day is celebrated every year on February 12, advocating for the right of all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, to marry the person they love. It encourages people to raise awareness about marriage equality and promote inclusivity and acceptance in society.

National Caregivers Day

Third Friday in February (US National)

National Caregivers Day celebrates and honors the incredible individuals who provide care for those in need. Recognizing both professional and non-professional caregivers the day raises awareness of the daily challenges and rewards caregivers face. It's an important day to pause, appreciate their tireless efforts, and express our gratitude for their selfless dedication to enhancing the well-being of others.

Read more: National Caregivers Day.

February 20 (Global)

World Day of Social Justice is one of the UN’s annual, monthly observances, established by the United Nations, that aims to promote social justice, equity, and human rights. The day calls for the global community to address various social issues, such as poverty, exclusion, discrimination, unemployment, gender disparity, and beyond. By acknowledging the importance of social justice, we work together to create a more inclusive, diverse, and sustainable world.

Related: Official Website.

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

February 22 (USA)

National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day aims to increase public knowledge about heart valve disease (HVD), its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The annual event encourages individuals, healthcare professionals, and organizations to join together in spreading the word about the importance of early detection and intervention to prevent severe complications associated with HVD.

Rare Disease Day

Last day of February, February 28th or February 29th in leap years (International)

Rare Disease Day is an internationally observed event that raises awareness for the various rare diseases affecting millions worldwide. The event aims to provide resources and support for patients and families, improve access to healthcare, and promote scientific research on rare diseases to enhance treatment options.

Read more: Rare Disease Day.
Related: Official Website.

February Awareness Weeks

National Green Week

First week of February (USA)

National Green Week is an annual event that empowers schools and communities to engage in sustainability-focused activities designed to promote environmental awareness and stewardship.

Read more: National Green Week.
Related: Official Website | Nature Quotes.

International Development Week

First week of February (Canada)

International Development Week focuses on raising awareness and engaging Canadians on global issues and efforts to alleviate poverty, increase sustainable development, and promote equality and social justice worldwide.

Related: Official Website.

Bird Health Awareness Week

Second week of February (USA)

Bird Health Awareness Week is an annual observance aiming to raise awareness about the importance of avian health and the various issues affecting birds, including disease prevention, responsible pet care, and conservation efforts. It provides an opportunity for bird owners, enthusiasts, and conservationists to connect and share information on maintaining a healthy and safe environment for both captive and wild birds.

Related: Official Website | Bird Facts | Bird Quotes.

National Engineers Week

Third week of February (USA)

National Engineers Week highlights the importance of engineering and celebrates the contributions engineers make to society. The purpose of this week is to inspire future generations to pursue careers in engineering through educational programs, events, and outreach.

Read more: National Engineers Week.
Related: Official Website.

Random Acts of Kindness Week

Second week of February (Global)

Random Acts of Kindness Week focuses on spreading kindness and empathy to positively impact individual lives and communities. Participants are encouraged to perform random acts of kindness, creating a chain of goodwill that can improve overall happiness and social connectedness. Random Acts of Kindness Day is also celebrated during this week on the Saturday every year.

Read more: Random Acts of Kindness Week.
Related: Official Website.

Eating Disorders Awareness Week

Last week of February (USA)

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week is a national event that seeks to increase awareness and education about eating disorders. Advocates, healthcare professionals, and affected individuals join together to share resources and stories to help break the stigma surrounding these important issues.

Related: Offical Website.

All awareness months, days, and observances by month:

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