September Awareness Days

September is National Recovery Month

​National Recovery Month is observed each September to celebrate the accomplishments of individuals in recovery from substance use disorder and recognize the families, providers, organizations, and communities that make recovery possible. Since 1989, Recovery Month has also helped promote understanding of substance use and co-occurring disorders, effective treatment, and the message that recovery is possible.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is working alongside states, tribes, territories, local governments, faith organizations, employers, families, recovery community organizations, treatment providers, and people with lived experience to strengthen the systems that support recovery. National Recovery Month provides an opportunity to celebrate these efforts, recognize the progress made, and encourage everyone to play a role in creating communities where people can build healthy and fulfilling lives.

Recovery looks different for everyone, and millions of Americans have experienced lives transformed through recovery. September provides an opportunity to amplify the voices and experiences of people in recovery, increase understanding of substance use and co-occurring disorders, and help reduce stigma and misinformation. 

You can support National Recovery Month by:
• Learning about recovery and sharing accurate information
• Helping reduce stigma and normalizing help-seeking
• Supporting recovery and treatment resources in your community
• Amplifying the voices and experiences of people in recovery
• Fostering connection and creating supportive, recovery-ready communities

September is ITP Awareness Month

​ITP Awareness Month is observed each September to raise awareness of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), a rare autoimmune disorder that causes low platelet counts and can lead to easy bruising, bleeding, and fatigue. In ITP, the body mistakenly attacks its own platelets, making it harder for blood to clot. ITP affects both children and adults, with causes and treatment options varying from person to person.

Did You Know? ITP has also inspired one of the most well-known honors in nursing. The DAISY Award was created by the Barnes family after their son, Patrick Barnes, died from ITP in 1999 at age 33.

During Patrick’s eight-week hospitalization, his family experienced extraordinary compassion and support from his nurses. After his passing, they wanted to honor Patrick while recognizing the nurses who helped carry their family through such a difficult time. Their simple desire to say “Thank You” became the foundation of the DAISY Award.

Today, the award honors nurses who provide extraordinary, compassionate care to patients and families, carrying forward the legacy of Patrick and the impact his nurses had on his family.

This year, the focus is on raising awareness in local communities and celebrating progress within the ITP community. Throughout September, we can amplify the voices of individuals and families affected by ITP and recognize the patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and advocates working together to improve outcomes.

You can support ITP Awareness Month by:
• Learning about ITP and sharing accurate information
• Wearing purple to raise awareness for ITP and platelets
• Participating in ITP awareness events and activities
• Sharing ITP resources and educational materials with your community
• Supporting organizations that provide research, advocacy, resources, and support

Together, we can increase understanding of ITP, amplify patient voices, celebrate progress, and continue building a stronger and more informed ITP community.

September is National Guide Dog Month

Here at UMBC, we know a thing or two about Retrievers—and this month, we’re honoring some of the most hardworking ones around.

Guide dogs are more than companions; they are highly trained partners who provide independence, safety, and confidence to individuals with visual impairments. Their dedication and loyalty empower their handlers to navigate the world with greater freedom and independence.

A little guide dog etiquette goes a long way:

-Please don’t pet a guide dog while they’re working. Even the friendliest dog needs to stay focused on guiding their handler and helping them navigate safely.

-Don’t offer food or treats. Guide dogs may have dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific feeding routines. They should receive food only from their handler.

-Ask before offering assistance. If you think someone with a guide dog may need help, ask first. They may simply need directions or may prefer to navigate independently. If they do request assistance, follow their instructions for how they would like to be guided.

Fun Fact: Labradors, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, and Labrador/Golden Retriever crosses are among the most common guide dog breeds, chosen for qualities such as intelligence, size, and calm temperament—true Retriever spirit!

This September, we’re sending a little Retriever pride to all the guide dogs who make a difference every single day. Thank you for your service, dedication, and partnership.

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September is National Deaf Awareness Month

All month long, communities across the U.S. are uplifting ASL, celebrating Deaf achievements, and advocating for equal access in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

How it started:

• 1958: International Day of the Deaf
  
  

• Expanded to International Week of the Deaf
  
  

• Today: Observed all September, with International Week in the last week of the month
  
  

Here are a few ASL letters you can learn — the image above shows how to sign LOVE.

Learn ASL at UMBC:

• American Sign Language (ASL) will fulfill UMBC’s GEP language requirement.
  
  

• Courses are offered every semester: fall, winter, spring, and summer.
  
  

• Courses include: ASL 101, ASL 102, and ASL 201.
  
  

ASL is a visual language that uses hand, facial, and body movements to communicate. Sign language promotes communication with the Deaf community and can help babies communicate sooner and better. It can also boost effective brain function and link the mind and body in ways that other languages do not. It’s the sixth most common language in the United States.

Let’s celebrate, learn, and advocate—this month and beyond.

September is also a time to recognize National Pain Awareness Month, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness, Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, World Alzheimer’s Month, and Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Together, we can continue promoting awareness, acceptance, accessibility, and inclusion for all.