September brings a shift in focus for pharmacies as patients settle into fall routines and prepare for the months ahead. From immunizations and heart health to healthy aging and chronic condition management, this month’s health observances create natural opportunities to educate patients, promote preventive care, and highlight the services your pharmacy provides.
These national awareness events can serve as more than calendar reminders. They give pharmacies timely reasons to start conversations, share helpful resources, and stay connected with patients throughout the fall. By incorporating relevant topics into your pharmacy’s communications and patient outreach, you can build trust while helping your community take a more proactive approach to their health.
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September Health Awareness Events
September includes several key observances that allow pharmacies to promote wellness, support patients and caregivers, and strengthen community engagement.
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Cholesterol Education Month is an opportunity to help patients better understand cholesterol and its connection to heart health. Because high cholesterol typically has no symptoms, regular screening and ongoing management are important. Pharmacies can use September to encourage patients to know their numbers, discuss risk factors, and stay on track with cholesterol-lowering medications.
How to get involved:
- Educate patients about the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol and why managing cholesterol matters.
- Encourage patients to talk with their healthcare provider about cholesterol screening and their individual cardiovascular risk.
- Reinforce the importance of taking cholesterol-lowering medications as directed and addressing questions or concerns with the pharmacy team.
- Share heart-healthy lifestyle tips, including regular physical activity, nutritious eating, and avoiding tobacco.
- Consider featuring cholesterol education alongside pharmacy services such as health screenings, medication reviews, or blood pressure checks.
Helpful resources:
➡️ American Heart Association – Cholesterol – Patient-friendly information about cholesterol, risk factors, testing, and management.
➡️ CDC Cholesterol Communications Toolkit – Free social media messages, graphics, patient education resources, and communication materials for promoting cholesterol awareness.
National Head Lice Prevention Month
With children returning to school, September is a timely opportunity to help parents and caregivers understand how head lice spread, how to recognize an infestation, and what to do if lice are found. Head lice are most common among preschool- and elementary school-aged children and their household members. They do not spread disease, but they can cause significant irritation and concern for families.
How to get involved:
- Educate parents and caregivers about regularly checking children’s hair for lice and nits, particularly during the back-to-school season.
- Share prevention tips, including avoiding the sharing of hats, brushes, hair accessories, towels, and other personal items that come into contact with the head.
- Remind families that head lice are not a sign of poor hygiene and can affect anyone.
- Provide guidance on available OTC head lice treatments and the importance of following product directions carefully.
- Promote OTC head lice treatment products with a September discount or seasonal promotion.
Helpful resources:
➡️ California Department of Public Health Head Lice Toolkit – Free resources for parents, caregivers, schools, and community organizations, including prevention information, treatment checklists, flyers, social media graphics, and resources in multiple languages.
Healthy Aging Month
Healthy Aging Month encourages older adults to take proactive steps toward maintaining their physical, mental, and social well-being. Pharmacies can support healthy aging through medication management, preventive care, immunizations, and personalized patient education.
How to get involved:
- Encourage older adults to review their medications regularly and discuss potential side effects, interactions, or adherence challenges with their pharmacy team.
- Promote medication synchronization and other services that make managing multiple prescriptions easier.
- Remind patients about recommended vaccinations and preventive health screenings.
- Share healthy aging tips related to nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and maintaining social connections.
- Encourage caregivers and family members to stay involved in medication management and healthcare planning when appropriate.
Helpful resources:
➡️ National Council on Aging – Resources focused on healthy aging, chronic disease management, benefits, and quality of life.
World Alzheimer’s Day: September 21
World Alzheimer’s Day is observed each September 21 and is an opportunity to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and recognize the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Pharmacies can support patients and caregivers through medication counseling, educational resources, and compassionate, accessible care.
How to get involved:
- Share educational information about Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia to help patients and families better understand the condition.
- Provide resources for caregivers who may be managing medications, appointments, and other aspects of care for a loved one.
- Encourage caregivers to speak with the pharmacy team about medication schedules, adherence challenges, potential side effects, and drug interactions.
- Share information about the importance of medication organization and maintaining an up-to-date medication list.
- Use social media and in-store communications to help reduce stigma and encourage families to seek support when they need it.
Helpful resources:
➡️ Alzheimer’s Association – World Alzheimer’s Day – Educational information and resources for individuals, families, and caregivers.
➡️ Alzheimer’s Disease International – Global resources and campaign materials supporting Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness.
World Heart Day: September 29
World Heart Day, observed September 29, provides an opportunity to put cardiovascular health in the spotlight. Pharmacies can use the day to encourage patients to take practical steps toward better heart health and make use of accessible pharmacy services such as blood pressure monitoring and medication counseling. The American Heart Association also identifies World Heart Day as a September health observance.
How to get involved:
- Share heart health education covering blood pressure, cholesterol, healthy eating, physical activity, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
- Encourage patients to know their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and discuss concerning results with their healthcare provider.
- Promote pharmacy services such as blood pressure checks, health screenings, medication reviews, or cardiovascular risk education.
- Feature heart-healthy products, such as appropriate supplements or blood pressure monitors, with a special promotion or discount.
- Share simple heart-healthy tips through social media, email, bag stuffers, or in-store signage.
- Encourage patients taking cardiovascular medications to stay consistent with their treatment plan and talk with the pharmacy team about questions or barriers.
Helpful resources:
➡️ World Heart Federation – World Heart Day – Global resources and campaign information focused on cardiovascular health.
➡️ CDC Heart Disease Communications Toolkit – Educational materials and communication resources for raising awareness about heart disease and cardiovascular health.
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