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Welcome to September!
Our website recognizes monthly awareness dates.
We only provide information that is pertinent to addiction, recovery and to the agency's vision and mission statements.
September Awareness Days
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : PCOS Awareness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Sickle Cell Awareness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : World Alzheimer’s Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Healthy Aging Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Pain Awareness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : National Preparedness Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : Suicide Prevention Month
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September 1 - 30, 2026 : National Recovery Month
CAAA Job Postings
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Bilingual SUD Counselor
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Environmental Specialist
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Security Personnel
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Psychiatrist
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Marketing/Community Relations
For more infomation, please visit our Careers page.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Awareness Month, a time to increase understanding of a common hormonal and metabolic condition affecting women of reproductive age. PCOS can cause irregular menstrual cycles, fertility challenges, acne, excess hair growth, weight changes, and other health concerns.
Awareness encourages individuals experiencing possible symptoms to speak with a healthcare professional and seek appropriate evaluation and care. Greater education about PCOS can help reduce stigma, encourage earlier diagnosis, and empower women to advocate for their long-term health.
Sickle Cell Awareness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that affects red blood cells and can cause severe pain, anemia, infections, organ complications, and other serious health problems.
This month also recognizes individuals and families living with sickle cell disease while encouraging education, advocacy, blood donation, research, and access to quality care. Increased understanding can help strengthen support for the sickle cell community.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, an opportunity to educate women and families about ovarian cancer and the importance of recognizing potential warning signs. Symptoms may include persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and changes in urinary habits.
Because ovarian cancer can be difficult to detect in its early stages, awareness of persistent changes in the body is important. This month encourages women to know their personal and family health history, discuss concerns with healthcare professionals, and advocate for appropriate evaluation when symptoms arise.
Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Leukemia & Lymphoma Awareness Month, bringing attention to blood cancers that affect millions of individuals and families. Leukemia primarily affects blood-forming tissues, while lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, an important part of the body's immune system.
The observance promotes education about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, research, and the needs of patients and caregivers. It is also a time to honor survivors, remember those who have been lost, and support individuals currently undergoing treatment.
World Alzheimer’s Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is World Alzheimer’s Month, a global observance focused on increasing awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Alzheimer’s is a progressive brain disease that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
The month encourages greater recognition of possible signs of dementia, earlier conversations with healthcare professionals, and compassionate support for individuals, families, and caregivers. World Alzheimer’s Day is observed on September 21.
Healthy Aging Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Healthy Aging Month, encouraging adults to take proactive steps toward maintaining their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being as they age. Healthy aging can include regular physical activity, nutritious eating, preventive healthcare, adequate sleep, meaningful relationships, and staying mentally and socially engaged.
The observance emphasizes that healthy aging is not simply about living longer—it is about supporting quality of life and independence throughout the years. Small, consistent healthy choices can contribute to greater well-being at every stage of adulthood.
Pain Awareness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Pain Awareness Month, bringing attention to the impact of acute and chronic pain on individuals, families, and communities. Chronic pain can affect mobility, sleep, mental well-being, relationships, employment, and overall quality of life.
The observance encourages greater understanding of people living with pain and promotes compassionate, individualized care. It also emphasizes the importance of listening to patients, improving pain education, and helping individuals access appropriate treatment and support.
National Preparedness Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is National Preparedness Month, encouraging individuals, families, businesses, and communities to prepare for emergencies and disasters before they occur. Emergencies can happen unexpectedly, making advance planning an important part of protecting health and safety.
Families are encouraged to create an emergency plan, build or update an emergency supply kit, know how they will communicate during an emergency, and stay informed about risks in their communities. Preparation today can make a significant difference when an emergency occurs.
Suicide Prevention Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness, reducing stigma, encouraging meaningful conversations about mental health, and connecting people experiencing emotional distress with appropriate support.
Recognizing warning signs, listening without judgment, checking on loved ones, and taking concerns about suicide seriously can help save lives. In the United States, anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
National Recovery Month
September 1 - 30, 2026
September is National Recovery Month, recognizing that recovery from mental health and substance use conditions is possible and worthy of celebration and support. The observance honors individuals in recovery as well as the families, peers, counselors, healthcare professionals, and communities who support them.
Recovery can look different for every person, and access to treatment, supportive relationships, community resources, and continued encouragement can make a meaningful difference. National Recovery Month helps reduce stigma while reminding individuals that seeking help is a sign of progress and that recovery is possible.
Nicotine Prevention
All tobacco and nicotine products- whether smoked, chewed, or vaped pose serious health risks. While some products may carry relatively lower risks than others, none are safe, and all can contribute to addiction, disease, and long-term health complications. Nicotine is a highly addictive stimulant found in tobacco products and most e-cigarettes. It acts on the brain’s reward system, reinforcing repeated use and making cessation difficult.
1. Product-Specific Health Risks
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A. Cigars and Cigarillos
- Contain as much nicotine as cigarettes, sometimes more.
- Produce thicker, more toxic smoke due to fermentation.
- Linked to oral, esophageal, laryngeal, and lung cancers.
- Increase risk of heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Secondhand smoke from cigars is highly toxic.
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B. Chewing Tobacco (Smokeless)
- Includes chew, snuff, and nicotine pouches.
- Causes oral cancers, gum disease, and tooth loss.
- Increase risk of pancreatic cancer and nicotine addiction.
- Delivery high doses of nicotine, often more than cigarettes.
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C. E-Cigarettes, E-Liquid, and Vaping
- Most contain nicotine, even when labeled ·nicotine-free. ·- Aerosol contains:
- Heavy metals (nickel, tin, lead)
- Volatile organic compounds
- Cancer-causing chemicals
- Diacetyl, linked to ·popcorn lung (bronchiolitis obliterans)- Associated with:
- Lung injury (EVALI)
- Nicotine poisoning, especially in children - Battery explosions and burns
- May be less harmful than cigarettes if used exclusively by adults trying to quit smoking but not safe.
2. Impact on Recovery and Mental
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Health - Nicotine addiction can:
- Undermine recovery from other substance use disorders.
- Increase anxiety, depression, and stress.
- Impair cognitive function and emotional regulation.
- Dual use (e.g., vaping and smoking) increases exposure to toxins and worsens respiratory outcomes.
- Withdrawal symptoms irritability, cravings, insomnia can interfere with therapy and recovery goals.
3. Long-Term Health Consequences
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- Cancer: Oral, lung, throat, pancreatic, and esophageal.
- Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, hypertension.
- Respiratory illness: COPD, asthma exacerbation, chronic bronchitis.
- Reproductive harm: Low birth weight, preterm birth, fetal brain damage. - Cognitive decline: Especially with early or prolonged use.
NOTICE
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It is expected that all participants will maintain a level of courtesy owed to all parties.
