November is a month of harvest, shorter periods of daylight, and holiday planning. For many, the focus of the month is Thanksgiving – football, family, and food – but it’s also a time for counting our blessings and strengthening our connections. We’re offering links to resources for November awareness campaigns on family caregivers, lung cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. And don’t forget to honor our US veterans on on November 11! .
National Family Caregivers Month
Sponsored by Caregiver Action Network, November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to raise awareness about the 63+ million family caregivers across the nation. Caregiver Action Network outlines the following goals:
- Raise awareness of the important role family caregivers play in our healthcare system.
- Educate communities about the challenges caregivers face and the support they need.
- Connect caregivers with trusted resources that make their journey a little easier.
- Honor caregivers for their commitment, resilience, and love.
They offer a wide range of support resources for caregivers, In addition, the National Council on Aging also marks Family Caregivers Month, offering excellent resources for caregiver support and resources for aging in place.
American Diabetes Month
November is American Diabetes Month and November 14 is World Diabetes Day. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) says that Diabetes isn’t just a disease — it’s an epidemic, affecting over 40 million Americans with devastating consequences. Each year, 1.5M Americans are diagnosed each year. 12% of Americans are living with diabetes, and 115M+ American adults are living with prediabetes. The ADA provides a wealth of resources on the various types of diabetes, diabetes prevention, and more, including:
- Warning Signs and Symptoms
- Living with Diabetes – including the Diabetes Food Hub
- Find Diabetes and Obesity Fact Sheets for your state
- Take the 60-Second Diabetes Type 2 Risk Test (online)
Lung Cancer Awareness Month
The American Lung Association sponsors Lung Cancer Awareness Month in November each year to raise critical awareness about lung cancer and turn the tide against this disease. According to the American Cancer Society, estimates for lung cancer in the US for 2026 are:
- About 229,410 new cases of lung cancer (110,910 in men and 118,500 in women)
- About 124,990 deaths from lung cancer (63,040 in men and 61,950 in women)
They note that lung cancer mainly occurs in older people. Most people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; a very small number of people diagnosed are younger than 45. The average age of people when diagnosed is about 70. Lung cancer is by far the leading cause of cancer death in the US, accounting for about 1 in 5 of all cancer deaths. Each year, more people die of lung cancer than of colon, breast, and prostate cancers combined.
There is positive news though – because more people are quitting smoking (or not starting), the number of deaths from lung cancer continues to drop. People who currently smoke or smoked in the last 15 years, may be eligible for a new low-dose CT lung cancer screening test. Screening is used to detect lung cancer early, when it is more likely to be curable.
- If you are a member of ESI EAP, call to connect with a Quit Smoking Coach.
- Check out other resources to quit smoking from the American Lung Association
Alzheimer’s Awareness Month
November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America says the month is a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it, as well as for the more than 11 million caregivers and family members. Why not “Go Teal” this year to raise awareness and show support for the millions of people affected by Alzheimer’s.Teal is the color of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America because it is a calming color.
- Learn more about Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
- Find resources for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers
- Get a free virtual memory screening from the AFA
More Key November Dates & Events:
- National Epilepsy Awareness Month
- 11/1 – Daylight Savings Time
- 11/11 – Veterans Day
- 11/12 – World Pneumonia Day
- 11/14 – World Diabetes Day
- 11/15-11/21 – International Fraud Awareness Week
- 11/20 – Great American Smokeout
- 11/26 – Thanksgiving
ESI EAP November Member Webinar (Online)
ESI EAP employee members can log in to access this webinar anytime during the month of November.
5 Strategies to Actually Enjoy the Holidays This Year – So often, the holidays are depicted as a time of blissful good cheer and family connection. Why do so many of us feel busy, pressured, or lonely each year instead? You have the power to do it differently this time around, no matter what the holidays hold for you. All you need is a strategy that works. This seminar will share five tips to help you actually enjoy the holidays this year and will guide you in creating a customized plan for your personal holiday situation.