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Summer 2026 Dates for Employee Communications

Summer 2026 Dates for Employee Communications

by Julie Ferguson
June 26, 2026 in Tools, Wellness, Work Life issues

Check out resources for July and August dates & events, including Independence Day, National Parks & Recreation Month, Juvenile Arthritis, UV Awareness, Summer Sun Safety, Immunization, and more key dates and event. We’ve supplied links to helpful resources from event sponsors or topical experts. Some links include tool kits with social media messages and graphics that could be used in newsletters, intranets, or other employee communications. 

July: A Special Independence Day

July 4 is a national holiday that launches the summer. In all the holiday celebrations – barbecues, beach days, and backyard gatherings – we can sometimes forget the true meaning of the day. This year, we celebrate America250 – the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This is also referred to as the nation’s semiquincentennial or quartermillenium. At America250, find ways to celebrate the occasion at major national block parties, find ways to give back to neighbors through charitable giving or volunteering, and learn more about the American history that shaped the nation.

However you celebrate, keep safety first. AAA projects 72.2 million Americans will travel at least 50 miles from home for Independence Day between Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, July 5. This year’s domestic travel forecast surpasses last year’s record of 71.8 million travelers.

July: National Park & Recreation Month

In July 2026, Park and Recreation Month highlights the theme  “The Power Of” parks and recreation and the people who make it all possible. Parks and recreation brings us together, strengthens our health and well-being, and builds more resilient, connected communities. Throughout the month, celebrate the many ways parks and recreation reveals the power of what connects us:

  • The Power of Connection: Parks and recreation is where relationships grow, cultures meet and communities bond.
  • The Power of Play: From playgrounds to programs to youth sports, play fuels creativity, joy and lifelong learning.
  • The Power of Community: Public spaces offer room for everyone to gather, celebrate and heal.
  • The Power of Nature: Nature restores and inspires us, and parks ensure everyone can access its benefits.
  • The Power of Belonging: Welcoming parks and programs make every person feel valued.
  • The Power of Well-Being: Parks and recreation advances health, resilience and shared community benefits.

The National Park & Recreation Association reminds us of the contributions of more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our rich network of national parks and state parks! Check out this year’s toolkit with fact sheets, social  media posts, and more.

July: Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

For Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. the Arthritis Foundation says that the goal of the month “is to spread the word that kids get arthritis, too. Most people are surprised to learn that arthritis isn’t “just an old person’s disease” and can affect children as young as just a few months old.” Close to 300,000 kids and teens living in the United States have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or other pediatric rheumatic diseases. Juvenile arthritis refers to rheumatic diseases in children aged 16 and younger. These diseases are not just adult diseases in children; they have many distinctions and are treated differently than in adults. The most common is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), and they include juvenile psoriatic arthritis, pediatric lupus and a number of others.  The site offers a variety of learning, treatment, and support resources for patients, families, and providers.

July: National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month

Every July, Mental Health America (MHA) sponsors National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, who was an American author, journalist, teacher, and mental health advocate. This dedicated month is a time to focus on the unique strengths and challenges that Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) face when it comes to mental health. The site offers a variety of free resources, including graphics and printables in the 2026 toolkit, as well as other tools and resources.

July: UV Awareness Month

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) says that UV is the root cause of most skin cancers. July marks UV Awareness Month, encouraging the public to take precautions by following three simple steps while outdoors: 1. Seek shade when appropriate. 2. Wear sun-protective clothing. 3. Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.  AAD offers a more in-depth information in their Skin Cancer Awareness Program.  Take the Skin Cancer Quiz to learn more. Learn what to wear to protect your skin from the sun and how to decode sunscreen labels.

August: Summer Sun Safety Month

Every August in Summer Sun Safety Month, the Skin Cancer Institute reminds the public that there are no safe tans: “In addition to causing skin problems like wrinkles, discoloration, and even skin cancer, excessive sun exposure can also lead to eye damage. The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the cornea, lens, and retina, resulting in cataracts, macular degeneration, and other vision problems. But by making a few simple changes to our habits, we can dramatically reduce our risk of sun-related eye and skin problems. So next time you head outdoors, remember the tips below. Your skin and eyes will thank you for it.”

August: National Immunization Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month is a reminder that vaccination is one of the best things you can do to help protect yourself from serious diseases. From the Centers for Disease Control, see: Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent.

August: Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Awareness Month

SMA Awareness Month is intended to raise public awareness for this progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor nerve cells in the spinal cord and impacts the muscles used for activities such as breathing, eating, crawling, and walking. SMA affects approximately one in 15,000 births in the U.S., and about one in every 50 Americans is a genetic carrier. SMA can affect any race or gender. No two people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have identical experiences. Decisions about care and treatment should be made according to each individual’s needs.

August 10-16: Safe + Sound Week

Sponsored by the National Safety Council, Safe + Sound Week is a nationwide event held each August that recognizes the successes of workplace safety and health programs and offers information and ideas on how to keep America’s workers safe.

ESI EAP Member Webinars

  • July: Downsizing Your Home and Belongings – When faced with downsizing your personal belongings or those of a loved one, the process can feel overwhelming. This workshop provides proven techniques to determine how, why, and what to save, what to share with others, and what is best to be donated. To access this Webinar and related resources, ESI members should simply log in to www.theEAP.com during July.
  • August: College Scholarships: Where to Find Money for Your Education – Learn how to finance education and what a student must do to position themselves for future scholarship dollars to help pay for college. Learn about taxes, timing, types, sources, scam avoidance, and more.To access this Webinar and related resources, ESI members should simply log in to www.theEAP.com during August.

Other Key Summer Dates & Events:

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