In May, many of us think of Mother’s Day or Memorial Day, but there are many other May key dates and events that are also observed. We’ve compiled many of these, along with links to resources, tool kits, and more to help you with your employee communications. ESI EAP employee members also have access to counseling, coaching and a wealth of online self-help resources, including webinars, health assessments, and much more.
Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month and this year, Mental Health America (MHA) issues the challenge to “turn awareness into action.” MHA says:
“Mental health can’t wait. Taking action for your personal mental well-being—whether by setting boundaries, reaching out for support, or practicing self-care—can make a lasting difference. This Mental Health Month, prioritize yourself and explore the resources that can help you build resilience, manage challenges, and thrive.”
They have issued a Mental Health Month Action Guide 2025 with tools and tips on the following topics: The power of boundaries; Fitness, food, and mood; Healing through creativity; Rest and reset; Starting treatment; Action through advocacy; and Giving back. They also invite you to take a mental health screening. And always remember, if you or someone you know is in danger of self-harm or harming others, call or text 988 to reach the National Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
Please note the following services that ESI EAP provides to our members:
- Telephonic in-the-moment counseling from clinical professionals 24/7/365 for anxiety, depression, mental health issues.
- For follow-up counseling, members may choose text, voice, or video messaging, chat, telehealth, or face -to-face counseling.
- One-to-one professional coaching for stress management, resilience, and wellness issues.
- Online self-help resources, assessments, and video courses for mental health issues.
- See our blog posts: Making Employee Mental Health a Priority and Mental Health Help: Hotlines, Tools & Resources.
National High Blood Pressure Education Month
May is National High Blood Pressure Education Month, sponsored by the The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute offer a wealth of fact sheets, publications, and other resources to help with the mission of public education. Also, for tips, resources, and a video from the American Heart Association, see our related blog post Have you had your blood pressure checked lately?
Physical Fitness and Sports Month
The Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP) marks May as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month through their Move Your Way Community Resources and Activity Planner. For older adults, see the Physical Activity Guidelines Midcourse Report, and for youth, see the National Youth Sports Strategy. Share the physical activity page for tips and info to make getting active a part of your routine. And lastly, check out these physical activity evidence-based resources to implement in your community
Related: May is also Bike Month and the League of American Bicyclists has you covered with a variety of tools and educational materials on their site. See links below for Bike to Work Week and Bike & Roll to School Day.
Also, ES EAP members can log in for more tools on fitness and exercise, or call to work on your goals with a Fitness Coach.
More Key May Observances
- Military Appreciation Month
- Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention and Awareness Month
- Older Americans Month
- Clean Air Month
- National Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month
- Arthritis Awareness Month and Green Heart Fridays
- National Stroke Awareness Month
- National Bike Month
- Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
- Brain Tumor Awareness Month
- 5 – Cinco de Mayo
- 5-9 – Air Quality Awareness Week
- 6 – World Asthma Day
- 7 – National Bike & Roll to School Day
- 11 – Mother’s Day
- 11-17 – National Women’s Health Week
- 12-18 – Bike to Work Week
- 18 – HIV Vaccine Awareness Day
- 26 – Memorial Day
- 31 – World No Tobacco Day