October is National Physical Therapy Month, and the APTA has developed various ways for employers to recognize their PT’s this month. But did you know that there is a national observance for every type of rehabilitation professional? Take a look our 2019 Therapist Appreciation Calendar below. Some of these events have less exposure than others; in fact there might be a few events on our calendar that you didn’t even know existed!
These nationally set observances offer a great opportunity to highlight the unique ways that each discipline contributes to your facility. They also provide a much needed reminder to include employee appreciation as part of your facility’s regular routine. To help you out, we’ve created these cards to encourage small acts of kindness among your staff. You can also plan ahead for recognizing ALL of your employees on their special day by downloading and printing a PDF of our 2019 Therapist Appreciation Calendar. We hope these materials help rehab managers and therapists give and receive more of the recognition that they deserve!
Download a free PDF of the 2019 Therapist Appreciation Calendar
MARCH
National Athletic Training Month
Designed to raise awareness of athletic trainers (not personal trainers) and recognize their work as healthcare professionals who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries or illnesses. These individuals work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, schools and clinics. National Athletic Trainers Association | www.nata.org
National Professional Social Work Month
National Professional Social Work Month was established by the National Association of Social Workers to honor and celebrate the social work profession. This event recognizes social workers who strive to improve social conditions and quality of life opportunities for everyone. National Association of Social Workers | www.socialworkers.org
March 10-16 Health Care HR Week
Health Care HR Week recognizes Human Resources professionals in all healthcare settings for the daily issues they face relating to the workforce, compensation, benefits, employee relations, healthcare reform and wellness. American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration | www.ashhra.org
APRIL
National Occupational Therapy Month
Each April, occupational therapists, occupational therapy assistants and students in practice, education, research and science host a month-long celebration showcasing the importance of occupational therapy. American Occupational Therapy Association | www.aota.org
April 1-7 – National Public Health Week
The American Public Health Association serves as the organizer of National Public Health Week, which recognizes the contributions of public health professionals and highlights issues important to public health. American Public Health Association | www.apha.org
April 7 – World Health Day
World Health Day is celebrated every year on April 7. It was first established to commemorate the formation of the World Health Organization (WHO). Today it is seen as an opportunity to draw worldwide attention to global health. World Health Organization | www.who.int/en/
MAY
Better Hearing & Speech Month
Audiologists, speech-language pathologists and other professionals join efforts to educate the public regarding communication challenges. American Academy of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery | www.entnet.org
National Health & Fitness Month
May is dedicated to encouraging employers to promote and support employees and their families to be physically active on a regular basis. Employers and employees all over the country implement and participate in healthy activities conveniently at the workplace and within their communities. National Association for Health and Fitness | www.physicalfitness.org
May 12-18 National Nursing Home Week
This week is set aside to recognize residents and patients in long-term and post-acute care settings, and the dedicated staff who care for them. American Health Care Association | www.ahcancal.org
May 12-18 National Hospital Week
National Hospital Week, the nation’s largest healthcare event, is a time to recognize and thank hospital staff – nurses, physicians, therapists, engineers, food service workers, volunteers, administrators and more – for their contributions. American Hospital Association | www.aha.org
May 12-18 Women’s Health Week
The week serves as a reminder for women to make their health a priority and build positive health habits for life. | www.womenshealth.gov
JUNE
Men’s Health Month
Men’s Health Month is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances and other health education and outreach activities. Its purpose is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Men’s Health Network | www.menshealthmonth.org
June 10-16 Men’s Health Week
June 5 National Healthcare Recruiters Recognition Day
National Healthcare Recruiters Recognition day falls on the first Tuesday in June. It’s a great opportunity to promote the profession and the contribution healthcare recruiters make to their organizations each and every day. National Association for Health Care Recruitment | www.nahcr.com
AUGUST
August 4-10 National Health Center Week
National Health Center Week is designed to recognize the service and contributions of health centers in providing care to the under served people in the U.S. National Association of Community Health Centers | www.healthcenterweek.org
SEPTEMBER
September 16-22 National Rehabilitation Awareness Week
Taking place the third full week in September, this event applauds the efforts of rehab professionals and focuses the nation’s attention on the powers and possibilities of rehabilitation. National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation | www.rehabweek.com
September 25 Women’s Health & Fitness Day
Women’s Health & Fitness Day is the nation’s largest annual health promotion event for women of all ages. The event is held on the last Wednesday in September. Health Information Resource Center | www.fitnessday.com
September 28 Family Health & Fitness Day USA
Held during the last Saturday in September, Family Health & Fitness Day USA is the largest family health event of its kind. The event’s purpose is to promote family involvement in physical activity, one of the goals of the U.S. Surgeon General’s Report on Physical Activity and Health. Health Information Resource Center | www.fitnessday.com
OCTOBER
National Physical Therapy Month
National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM) recognizes and celebrates physical therapists, physical therapy assistants and physical therapy students. It helps show how they transform society by restoring and improving motion in people’s lives. American Physical Therapy Association | www.apta.org
NOVEMBER
National Home Care & Hospice Month
During this month the home care and hospice community honor the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists and social workers who have a personal, profound effect on the patients and families they serve. National Association for Home Care and Hospice | www.nahc.org
November 4-8 National Allied Health Professions Week
This event honors the three million healthcare providers working in more than 80 allied health professions. It promotes the celebration of allied health careers by providers, educators and accrediting organizations. Association of Schools of Allied Health Professions | www.asahp.org
