January - Awareness Months, Days & Observances

Welcome to January, a fresh start brimming with possibilities and a time to embrace a renewed sense of purpose for the year ahead! As we bid farewell to the holiday festivities, January offers us a chance to focus on our personal goals and the issues that matter most to our planet and society. With the spirit of the New Year still flowing, it's the perfect moment to raise awareness, get involved, and make a difference.

Our comprehensive list of awareness days in January is here to help you navigate this month's myriad of causes and inspirations.

January, the doorway to opportunity, may be best known for its chilly temperatures and short days. Still, its real warmth lies in the numerous awareness days and monthly observances that aim to ignite our passion for positive change.

So embrace the spirit of the season and don’t miss a national day throughout the month to champion the causes you care about, spreading awareness and ushering in a brighter future for all.

Love the feeling of a fresh start each year? Check out our January quotes for more from the first month.

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

January Awareness Month-Long Events

National Glaucoma Awareness Month

(USA)

National Glaucoma Awareness Month seeks to create awareness about the leading cause of irreversible blindness and emphasizes the importance of regular eye check-ups.

Related: Official Website.

National Blood Donor Month

(USA)

National Blood Donor Month, a recognized national health observance, encourages people to donate blood and raises awareness about the need for a stable blood supply, especially during winter when donations decrease.

Read more: National Blood Donor Month.

Cervical Health Awareness Month

(USA)

In January, the NCCC (National Cervical Cancer Coalition), an initiative under ASHA's umbrella, collaborates with numerous local chapters nationwide to emphasize cervical cancer, HPV-related health conditions, and the significance of early detection and preventive measures.

Read more: Cervical Health Awareness Month.
Related: Official Website.

Veganuary

(International)

Veganuary is a campaign that challenges people to adopt a vegan diet for a month. It promotes the positive impact of this lifestyle on the environment, animals, and personal health.

Read more: Veganuary.
Related: Official Website | Vegan Quotes.

Stalking Awareness Month

(USA)

Stalking Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about stalking, its impact on victims, and resources available for those affected by this crime.

Read more: Stalking Awareness Month.
Related: Official Website.

National Mentoring Month

(USA)

National Mentoring Month focuses on the importance of mentoring, the need for more mentors, and the positive impact mentorship can have on young lives.

Related: Official Website | Mentor A Young Adult.

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

(USA)

This event aims to educate people about the heinous crimes of slavery and human trafficking and encourages actions to combat and prevent them.

Read more: Human Trafficking Awareness Day.
Related: Official Website.

Bath Safety Month

(USA)

Bath Safety Month raises awareness about bathroom safety measures to avoid injuries or accidents in the bathroom, particularly among children and seniors.

Financial Wellness Month

(USA)

Financial Wellness Month encourages people to focus on financial stability and create a plan for managing their personal finances more effectively.

Read more: Financial Wellness Month.

Birth Defects Prevention Month

(USA)

Birth Defects Prevention Month raises awareness about the prevalence and impact of congenital disabilities while promoting the importance of prenatal care, early detection, and preventive measures for expectant mothers. Throughout the month, organizations share educational resources and encourage support for families affected by congenital disabilities.

Related: Official Website.

(USA)

Music Therapy Social Media Advocacy Month aims to raise awareness about the benefits of music therapy and its positive impact on mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Throughout the month, music therapists and enthusiasts share their experiences, knowledge, and advocacy efforts on social media platforms to educate the public and promote the profession.

Related: Mental Health Quotes | Mental Health Facts.

January Awareness Days

New Year's Day

January 1 (International)

New Year's Day is celebrated worldwide as the beginning of a new calendar year, symbolizing fresh starts, new beginnings, and opportunities for growth. People often make resolutions for self-improvement and engage in various traditions to welcome the new year with optimism and positivity.

Read more: New Year's Day.

National Drinking Straw Day

January 3 (USA)

National Drinking Straw Day commemorates the day Marvin Chester Stone received the patent for the paper drinking straw in 1888. The day is observed to celebrate the invention and appreciate our daily convenience items. It is also an opportunity to remind people to choose environmentally friendly options, such as reusable metal or bamboo straws.

National Trivia Day

January 4 (USA)

National Trivia Day promotes the love of general knowledge and encourages people to learn new facts and share them with others.

Read more: National Trivia Day.

World Braille Day

January 4 (International)

World Braille Day celebrates the birth of Louis Braille, the inventor of a writing system for blind and visually impaired people. This awareness day promotes greater accessibility and inclusion for vision-impaired individuals across the globe.

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

National Bird Day

January 5 (USA)

National Bird Day is an annual event focusing on avian issues and raising awareness about the importance of birds, their habitats, and the need to protect endangered species.

Read more: National Bird Day.
Related: Bird Facts | Bird Quotes.

World Day for War Orphans

January 6 (International)

World Day for War Orphans is dedicated to raising awareness about the challenges faced by children who have lost their parents due to armed conflicts. The day aims to promote global understanding and support for war orphans and encourage efforts to help these children overcome the physical, emotional, and social difficulties they often experience.

International Thank You Day

January 11 (International)

International Thank You Day encourages people to express gratitude towards others and appreciate the acts of kindness they receive.

National Without A Scalpel Day

January 16 (USA)

National Without A Scalpel Day commemorates the groundbreaking moment when the first non-surgical angioplasty procedure was performed. The day aims to raise awareness about minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that serve as alternatives to traditional surgeries, highlighting their benefits in various fields of medicine.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17 (USA)

Martin Luther King Jr. Day honors the life and legacy of the influential civil rights leader, who played a pivotal role in advancing racial equality and justice in America through peaceful protest and inspiring speeches. The day encourages reflection on progress and the continued fight against racial injustice and inequality.

Read more: Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Related: Equality Quotes.

World Religion Day

January 20 (International)

World Religion Day promotes interfaith understanding and harmony by encouraging people to learn about different religions and their commonalities.

International Day of Education

January 24

The International Day of Education highlights the importance of education in achieving sustainable development, global peace, and responsible citizenship. This day aims to encourage governments, educational institutions, and individuals to acknowledge education as a fundamental human right and work collectively towards improving access to quality education for all, regardless of socioeconomic background or geographic location.

Read more: International Day of Education.

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day

January 24 (International)

Moebius Syndrome Awareness Day is dedicated to raising global understanding about Moebius Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder primarily affecting the face and eyes. It's an important day for generating empathy, sharing personal experiences, and supporting research initiatives. The ultimate aim is to improve the quality of life for individuals living with this condition, fostering inclusivity and acceptance.

World Leprosy Day

January 30 (International)

World Leprosy Day raises awareness about leprosy and highlights the importance of eradicating this ancient yet lingering disease. It is an opportunity to advocate for the rights of those affected by leprosy and support initiatives to improve their lives and end the stigma associated with this condition.

Related: Official Website.

January Awareness Weeks

National Drug & Alcohol Facts Week

January 22-28 (USA)

This week aims to educate teenagers about the myths associated with drugs and alcohol and promotes spreading scientific facts about substance abuse.

Healthy Weight Week

January 20-26 (USA)

Healthy Weight Week is an awareness week promoting a healthy and realistic body image, embracing self-esteem and balanced eating habits for overall well-being.

All awareness months, days, and observances by month:

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