July Healthcare Observances: Disability Pride, World Brain Day, and More
There are many July health campaigns, including World Brain Day, Social Wellness Month, and Disability Pride Month. With summer in full swing, it's an ideal time to improve your lifestyle, get a yearly check-up, and learn more about pressing health concerns.
In this article, we'll discuss July health observances in 2025 and how you can support or learn more about each of these important health topics.
World Disability Pride Month
World Disability Pride Month started as an American celebration in the 90s but has since spread worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 15% of people around the world live with some form of disability.
Many people living with disabilities experience discrimination and unique challenges, especially when it comes to the workplace or accessibility of public spaces. This discrimination is especially pronounced within the American workplace, where, as of 2024, 41.7% of disabled individuals were employed compared to 77.7% of non-disabled individuals.
However, Disability Pride Month aims to help advocate for those living and working with disabilities. This observance was first established on July 26th, 1990, when the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law.
This law extended civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities and required public spaces and workplaces to be disability friendly, with the goal of curbing discrimination.
The World Health Organization recognizes this observance with a new theme and campaign each year. 2025's campaign is "We Belong Here, and We’re Here to Stay."
There are several ways to celebrate and support Disability Pride Month, including:
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Spread awareness or share your story on social media. Social media is one of the most powerful and effective methods to connect with others in the modern era. Use hashtags like #DisabilityPride and #DisablityPrideMonth to show your support.
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Attend a Disability Pride Month event or parade in your area. Many cities around the world hold events for disabled individuals to celebrate. See if there's anything going on in your area this July.
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Donate to a Disability Pride Month campaign. Donating to disability-oriented organizations and campaigns can help support pro-disability policy changes and protections for people all over the world.
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Show someone you know your support. Sometimes, it's the little things that matter the most. One of the best ways you can show your support this month is by talking with a disabled person about how you can help them or asking them to share their story.
Social Wellness Month
Social wellness is an often overlooked aspect of health. Strong social connections can play a vital role in our overall well-being, yet many people today experience isolation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the growing digitalization of our work and social lives, we're facing a loneliness epidemic never before seen.
Social Wellness Month recognizes the importance of strong and healthy social connections for our overall well-being. This observance started in the early 2000s as more scientists started recognizing the connection between good health and positive social connections.
Studies suggest that social connections not only lead to overall improved levels of happiness but may even help us live longer. Some research also suggests that strong social connections can help reduce the symptoms or slow the progression of dementia and Alzheimer's.
Social connections and well-being are especially important for older adults, who may struggle with weaker support networks. Some great ways for seniors to connect with others include going to senior centers and attending group events and hobby classes.
There are plenty of ways you can support yourself and others during Social Wellness Month this July; these include:
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Going to or hosting group events. Connecting with others in a group or community setting can help create a sense of inclusion and togetherness. Some ideas for events include concerts, classes, and hobby meetups.
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Nurture your existing connections. Keeping in touch with your friends and family is essential, whether it's asking how their day was or planning a hang-out session.
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Volunteer. Sometimes, it can be good to get out of your comfort zone and support a cause you believe in. Volunteering can be a great opportunity to not only meet new people but also give back to your community.
World Brain Day
Celebrated on July 22nd, World Brain Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of brain health and neurological issues. This year's theme is "Brain Health for All Ages."
Brain health and care is a global issue; it's estimated that around 1/3 of the world's population has a neurological condition. This makes it one of the leading causes of death and illness globally.
You can show your support for World Brain Day by participating in the five main goals:
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Education
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Awareness
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Prevention
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Access to care and disability management
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Advocacy
Other Healthcare Campaigns This July
In addition to those included above, here are a few more essential national health observances for July:
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Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month – Arthritis is an issue that many people assume only affects seniors. However, many children live with juvenile arthritis.
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National UV Safety Awareness Month – As you get outdoors to experience summer fun, it's increasingly important to learn about the dangers of UV radiation. Long-term exposure to the sun's UV rays without wearing sunscreen can increase your risk of skin cancer. This July, remember to wear sunscreen and learn how to be safe outdoors.
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National Minority Mental Health Month – More than 20% of the United States population lives with a mental illness today. However, minorities may be disproportionately affected. The month of July aims to help advocate for mental struggles among minority communities and make it easier for underserved populations to get the mental health care they need.
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World Hepatitis Day – It’s estimated that around 2.4 million people have Hepatitis C, and 850,000 people have Hepatitis B in the United States. Hepatitis is linked to liver cancer and premature death. World Hepatitis Day, celebrated on July 28th, aims to spread awareness about prevention and care after diagnosis.
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National Park & Recreation Month – While not technically a healthcare observance, July is National Park and Recreation Month. Getting outdoors and exercising is not only really good for you, but it’s a part of being American to appreciate our national parks. Take the month of July to visit a park near you, show support to your park rangers, and most importantly, take care of your physical and mental health by spending time out in nature.
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International Self-Care Month – This healthcare observance is recognized from June 24th to July 24th each year. International Self-Care Month aims to raise awareness and dispel any guilt or shame around taking time for yourself. In modern society, it can be easy to feel like needing a break is wrong. Many people internalize this guilt and end up overworking or feeling burned out.
Showing Your Support This July
As July approaches, it's important to have compassion for the upcoming healthcare observances. From Disability Pride Month to World Brain Day, these awareness campaigns can help us become more aware of the diverse health issues that affect our communities and how we can address them.
There are plenty of ways to get involved, including advocating on social media, donating to organizations, attending group events, and reaching out to members of your community. Continued education and advocacy for these causes can create positive change in our lives and the lives of others.
LTC News has several resources to help you learn more about health conditions and long-term care. We've included a list of resources you may be interested in to learn more about long-term care and caregiving:
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What Is Long-Term Care? – Long-term care involves personal care services like help with activities of daily living, expected to last 90 days or more. Anyone can need long-term care, but the risk increases as we age. This article explains what long-term is, who may need it, and why it's important to prepare for it.
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The Long-Term Care Spectrum: From Independent Living to Skilled Nursing – There are several types of long-term care services and facilities, including home care services, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. This article explores the differences between these options.
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Nutrition Tips for Older Adults: Wellness, Aging and Diet – A healthy lifestyle and diet are essential at any age, but their importance increases with age. This article can recommend ways to improve overall well-being through nutritious foods.
If you or your loved one currently needs long-term care and is struggling to find it, LTC News’s Care Directory may be able to help. Our tool can help you find high-quality long-term care facilities and caregiving services close to home.
