Each November, we recognize and honor the more than 63 million family caregivers across the United States who devote their time, energy, and love to supporting a family member or friend with health needs.

Caregiver Action Network, the nationally recognized leader of National Family Caregivers Month (NFC Month), partners with organizations and advocates across the country to highlight caregivers' challenges, celebrate their dedication, and connect them with the resources they need.

About National Family Caregivers Month

National Family Caregivers Month is a time to:

• Raise awareness of the essential role family caregivers play in our healthcare system

• Educate communities about the challenges caregivers face and the supports they need

• Connect caregivers with trusted resources that make their journey easier

• Honor caregivers for their commitment, resilience, and love

Since 1994, November has been recognized through presidential proclamations, nonprofit campaigns, and community events nationwide. Each year features a unique theme chosen by Caregiver Action Network.

2025 Theme: Plug-in to Care

The focus for 2025 is connection—helping caregivers plug in to care by accessing vital support tools, networks, and educational resources.

Get Involved

• Spread the Word
  Share messages, graphics, and stories using #NFCMonth

• Join Events
  Participate in webinars, conversations, and activities throughout November.

Support Caregivers
Use the available toolkits to recognize caregivers in your workplace, community, or organization.

• Download the Campaign Toolkit
  

• Become a Nonprofit Partner
  

• Explore Past Campaigns

Past themes include:

• 2024: iCare…
  

• 2023: #CaregiversConnect
  

• 2022: #CaregivingHappens
  

Why Connection Matters

Family caregivers are the backbone of our healthcare system. They provide billions of hours of unpaid care each year while navigating work responsibilities, family life, and their own health needs.

By recognizing National Family Caregivers Month, we highlight their experiences and connect them to the resources, support, and community they deserve.

Empowering Future Leaders in Aging at UMBC's Erickson School of Aging Studies

The Erickson School of Aging Studies at UMBC is dedicated to preparing leaders who will improve the lives of older adults, including the millions who rely on family caregivers.

The Erickson School:

• Offers unique interdisciplinary programs that prepare students to lead organizations serving or advocating for older adults

• Connects the strength of a leading research university with the real-world expertise of leaders in the aging services field

• Provides Undergraduate, Graduate, and Professional Education
  

• Blends knowledge of human aging, public policy, and management, developing essential skills such as communication, financial acumen, critical thinking, leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making

• Provides Undergraduate Program Internships that give students hands-on experience and career exploration in aging services

• Requires Capstone Projects in both undergraduate and graduate programs, allowing students to apply their learning and design innovative solutions that support older adults and caregivers

By educating emerging professionals with this strong interdisciplinary foundation, the Erickson School helps strengthen programs, services, and systems that support caregivers and older adults across the nation.

Happy Wednesday! As we prepare for reading day and finals week, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for December 11 - 17. 

Thursday, December 11: 10 am - 6 pm 

Friday, December 12: 10 am - 5 pm 

Monday, December 15: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, December 16: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, December 17: 10 am - 5 pm 

The Mosaic will close at 5pm on Wednesday, December 17 for Winter Break. We will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 10 am. 

We wish you all the best as you begin your finals! 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being

Happy Friday! As we prepare for the upcoming extended weekend, we wanted to share the adjusted hours of the Mosaic for November 24- 28.

Monday, November 24: 10 am - 6 pm 

Tuesday, November 25: 10 am - 6 pm 

Wednesday, November 26: CLOSED

Thursday, November 27: CLOSED

Friday, November 28: CLOSED

The Mosaic will re-open to our regular hours again on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 10 am. 

As a reminder regular Fall hours will end the day before Study Day, Wednesday, 12/10. Final's Week (December 11-17/20) Hours will be posted by December 3. 

*Please note that space hours might shift based on staff availability, reservations, and event times. For more information, check out our myUMBC pages for each space below:

• The Mosaic Center for Cultural Diversity 
• The Pride Center for LGBTQIA2+ Diversity 
• The Gathering Space for Spiritual Well-Being 

Dear Graduate Students,

Thank you to everyone who showed interest in serving on the GSA Elections Committee. We received an incredible response from students committed to strengthening transparency, accountability, and representation within our graduate community.

We are excited to announce the selected Election Committee Co-Chairs:

✨ Reena Kale — GSA Co-Chair
✨ Neil Kpamegan — Non-GSA Co-Chair

Please join us in congratulating both Reena and Neil!

We look forward to working with them as they help lead the upcoming GSA election cycle.

We also want to extend our appreciation to all other candidates who applied. Your dedication to graduate student governance is deeply valued, and you will be considered for Election Committee member positions. We hope you continue to stay involved and support ongoing GSA initiatives throughout the year.

Thank you for your continued engagement and commitment to our community.

—Team GSA

This month, we're joining the Epilepsy Foundation of America in going "All In for Epilepsy." Being All In doesn't mean doing everything; it means doing something to support the epilepsy community. Whether that's learning seizure first aid, sharing facts, wearing purple, or showing compassion to someone who lives with epilepsy, every action counts.

Recognizing National Epilepsy Awareness Month (NEAM)

November is a time to educate, advocate, and empower. Epilepsy affects 3.4 million Americans, including about 456,000 children, yet it's often misunderstood. Through awareness and education, we can build a stronger, more informed community that ensures no one faces epilepsy alone.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that can affect anyone, regardless of race, age, or gender.

• 1 in 10 people will have a seizure in their lifetime.

• 1 in 26 will develop epilepsy.

• Seizures can look different for everyone (not all seizures involve convulsions).

Unfortunately, misunderstanding and stigma still surround epilepsy. Many individuals experience "felt stigma" — a fear of discrimination or shame about their condition — which can negatively impact mental health and quality of life, even when seizures are well controlled.

Together, we can change that narrative.

Take Action: Go "All In" This November

This month, you can make a difference by taking one meaningful step:

• Learn Seizure First Aid

Register for a free Seizure Recognition and First Aid Training to gain the skills and confidence to help someone experiencing a seizure. 

UMBC community members can also review SDS's emergency steps here:

SDS Emergency Response: What to Do in an Emergency

• Share Your eJourney

Your story can inspire hope and remind others they're not alone. Submit your epilepsy story on the Epilepsy Foundation's eJourney Blog and help empower others to speak up.

• Spread the Word on Social Media

Use your voice to educate others. Share facts, experiences, or resources using #NEAM2025 and #AllInForEpilepsy. Encourage your followers to re-share Epilepsy Foundation content to help stop the stigma.

• Get Involved Locally

Find your local Epilepsy Foundation and participate in NEAM events, from walks and fundraisers to community education sessions. Every connection strengthens the movement.

We're All In

Epilepsy affects everyone, everywhere — but together, we can build a safer, more inclusive future. This November, let's commit to learning, advocating, and supporting our epilepsy community. Because when we're All In for Epilepsy, no one faces it alone.

Learn more and get involved: www.epilepsy.com/NEAM