Welcome to May!
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.
May Awareness Days
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May 6, 2026 : National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
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May 6–12, 2026 : National Nurses Week
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May 6, 2026 : World Maternal Mental Health Day
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May 10, 2026 : Mother’s Day
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May 11–17, 2026 : Mental Health Awareness Week
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May 18, 2026 : World AIDS Vaccine Day
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May 18–24, 2026 : Dementia Action Week
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May 25, 2026 : Memorial Day
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May 31, 2026 : World No Tobacco Day
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day
May 6, 2026
National Anxiety Disorders Screening Day was established in 1993 by the Screening for Mental Health to encourage early identification of anxiety and related conditions. The day promotes simple, confidential screenings so people can recognize symptoms and take steps toward getting support.
World Maternal Mental Health Day
May 6, 2026
World Maternal Mental Health Day was launched in 2016 by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance and global partners to bring attention to maternal mental health. The day raises awareness about emotional challenges during pregnancy and postpartum while encouraging support and understanding for mothers.
National Nurse Week
May 6 - 12, 2026
National Nurses Week is observed annually from May 6–12 and was established in 1974, later expanded by the American Nurses Association to honor the vital role nurses play in healthcare. The week celebrates their compassion, skill, and daily commitment to caring for individuals and communities.
Mother's Day
May 10, 2026
Happy Mother's Day to all Mothers from Community Action Against Addiction.
Mother’s Day in the United States was officially established in 1914 when Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation following advocacy by Anna Jarvis. The day honors mothers and mother figures for their love, sacrifices, and lasting influence.
Mental Health Awareness Week
May 11 - 17, 2026
Mental Health Awareness Week was launched in 2001 by the Mental Health Foundation to promote understanding and open conversations about mental well-being. The week encourages practical ways to care for mental health and reduce stigma in everyday life.
World AIDS Vaccine Day
May 18, 2026
World AIDS Vaccine Day was established in 1998 following a 1997 call to action by Bill Clinton to advance HIV vaccine research. The day highlights the importance of scientific progress and honors those contributing to the search for a vaccine.
Dementia Action Week
May 18 - 24, 2026
Dementia Action Week is organized by the Alzheimer’s Society to increase awareness and understanding of dementia. The week encourages early diagnosis, community support, and practical ways to help those affected live well.
Memorial Day
May 25, 2026
Community Action Against Addiction will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Memorial Day began after the Civil War as “Decoration Day” and became a federal holiday in 1971 to honor U.S. military members who died in service, observed as a time of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude.
World No Tobacco Day
May 31, 2026
World No Tobacco Day was created in 1987 by the World Health Organization to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco use. The day encourages healthier choices and supports global efforts to reduce tobacco-related harm.
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
Communication media utilized by Community Action Against Addiction is for information exchange between members of the community, whether client or staff.
These accounts are staffed and monitored by non-service staff.
It is expected that all participants will maintain a level of courtesy owed to all parties.