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National Suicide Prevention Month is acknowledged each September in both the United States and Jamiaca. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death in the United States, with the CDC reporting that in 2023 over 49,000 people died by suicide. In addition many more people think about attempting suicide each year. In 2023, 12.8 million people seriously considered attempting suicide, 3.7 million people created a plan, and 1.5 million people attempted suicide (CDC, 2025). The Wo

Both here in the United States and abroad in Jamaica, we acknowledge National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) in August. NIAM brings awareness to the importance of getting vaccines throughout your life to protect your health. I know that getting a vaccine is nobody's favorite thing to do, but the reward pays off in preventing illness and diseases from spreading. By getting vaccinated, we not only protect ourselves, but our community as well by not spreading illness. When

As summer is winding down, and school resumes again just around the corner, I know that we all want to squeeze in as many lasting memories as we can. These long summer days are so important for bonding with our families and enjoying each other's company. As an educator, I am lucky to have the summers off and I get to spend every day in the sunshine with my kids. These days are so special and meaningful to me. In honor of Family Fun Month, I want to share 31 of our favorite s

July is International Group B Streptococcus (GBS) Awareness Month. GBS, or sometimes referred to as group B strep, is a type of bacteria that is naturally found in the digestive and lower reproductive tracts of both men and women. Anyone can carry GBS and it can be passed between people through body fluids and through birth. “About 1 in 5 pregnant individuals worldwide "carry" or are "colonized" with group B strep (GBS)” (Group B Strep International, n.d.). Although it is co

July is Social Wellness Month, a dedicated time to foster meaningful connections, strengthen support systems, and improve overall well-being through healthy relationships. Summer is the perfect time to relax, reconnect with those around you, and strengthen your relationships. Here are some ideas for you to try! Relax: Take a walk and enjoy the fresh air Sit on the beach and listen to the waves Read a book outside in the sunshine Try a short outdoor meditation or deep breathin

In June, we celebrate African American Music Appreciation Month. Music is a powerful way to connect communities, express oneself and to bond over shared experiences. So much history can be passed down in song and is a way to remember where the community came from and to help the community find where they are going next. Music can transport each person back in time, and place him/her back into a memory with just a single note. African American Music is filled with so much cu

June signals the beginning of hurricane season in Jamaica, making it the perfect time to recognize Disaster Preparedness Month. As the threat of hurricanes approaches, it is important to be as prepared as possible for the worst. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) uses this time to remind all Jamaicans to check their supplies and be ready in case of an emergency. As an island, Jamaica is vulnerable to hurricanes, but that does not mean we can

Each May, Jamaica recognizes Child Month, dedicated to celebrating and highlighting children’s rights, well-being, and development. Child Month is supported and celebrated by schools, communities, and organizations such as the Office of the Children's Advocate, with activities that promote children’s safety, protection, and overall development. Public education campaigns, school-based events, and community outreach efforts help raise awareness about positive parenting, recogn

Every May, we see the flags, the discounts, and the social media posts thanking service members. And those gestures matter. They truly do, but military life, the service, the sacrifice, the waiting, the resilience, doesn’t begin on May 1st and end on May 31st. It goes so much deeper than that. For so many of us, myself as a military spouse included, this is our everyday lives. The sacrifice does not end in May, therefore neither should the appreciation. National Military A

How do we celebrate and protect our children to ensure their strong beginnings and futures? April 11-17th is the annual celebration of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC). WOYC is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs (NAEYC, 2026). Early childhood years (b

April is National Autism Awareness Month in both the United States and Jamaica. Every April, communities pause to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths and experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects how individuals perceive the world, interact socially and communicate with others. According to Autism Speaks (2025), autism is characterized as a “spectrum” because there are varying strengths and challenges, in

Many years ago, when I was working on my undergrad in Early Childhood Education, I had enough credits to work on a minor as well and chose to minor in social work. I always thought the two worlds of education and social work went well together. Many of the social work classes taught me so much about the struggles families and young children go through before arriving to their teachers at school. It really brought the concept of an invisible backpack to light for me. It was a

Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the strength, leadership, and impact of women across generations. It is a time to reflect on all the progress we have made, but also on the effort of the women who came before us to create this change. Too often, women’s contributions, especially in helping professions, have come as a personal sacrifice, long hours, and the expectation to continue giving more, no matter the cost. In many fields such as education, healthcare, and s

Each February is Reggae Month in Jamaica. Reggae is a popular type of music that originated in Jamaica. This year, the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) has chosen the theme Rhythms Of Resilience . This message was chosen to reflect Reggae’s power to uplift and endure, just as the people of Jamaica continue to do. As many of you may know, this past October, Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica, causing major damage to much of the island. Many people are still living in s

For many of us, we experience our first dating relationships as teenagers. The idea of love and dating can be so exciting, especially as you enter your first relationship. As exciting as it can be, navigating dating can also be confusing when you are unsure what a healthy relationship might look like. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM), and this year's theme is Real Love Respects . The question is, however, what does that look like in a teen dating rel

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human Trafficking can happen to anyone and in any community. Therefore, it is important to know what signs to look for and what to do if you suspect someone may be a victim of Human Trafficking. Knowing what to do can help to keep those around you safe. What signs should you look for in a suspected victim? You may notice the person becoming more anxious, fearful, or withdrawn in situations she/he was once more comfortable and i

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! Summer heat means you lose more water through sweat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay...

The month of June celebrates Caribbean Americans and their contributions to the American society. Over the years, there have been...

The month of May is extremely busy as this is a season of change. Whether you're graduating or experiencing a friend/family member...

Having someone in your life who is struggling mentally is a challenge for both parties, even those on the other end. You may not know...