- National Drowning Prevention Week – July 19 to 25, 2026
- Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
- World Sepsis Day – September 13, 2026
- Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month & World Mitochondrial Disease Week – September 14 to 20, 2026
- Rail Safety Week – September 21 to 27, 2026
- National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
National Drowning Prevention Week – July 19 to 25, 2026
The Lifesaving Society has designated July 19-25, 2026 as National Drowning Prevention Week. With over 450 Canadians drowning in preventable water-related incidents each year, drowning remains the third leading cause of unintentional death among Canadians under the age of 60. Even one drowning is one too many.
To help reduce the risk of drowning, all Canadians are urged to:
- supervise children at all times in and around water;
- practice safe boating habits;
- exercise caution and awareness in open water;
- ensure backyard pool safety measures are in place; and
- stay sober in, on or around the water.
For more information, please visit: lifesavingsociety.com/water-safety
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month – September 2026
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness month, a month dedicated to raising awareness, funding research, and supporting those living with prostate cancer. It is the most common type of cancer to affect Canadian men. Raising awareness for Prostate Cancer is one of the best ways to help people learn about the signs, symptoms, and preventive screening. It also helps build communities and foster connections.
For more information, visit: prostatecanada.ca
World Sepsis Day – September 13, 2026
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to an infection causes damage to its own tissues and organs. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a global health priority, sepsis is responsible for approximately 20% of deaths worldwide each year. Despite its impact, awareness of sepsis and its warning signs remains low.
In Canada, more than 30,000 people are affected by sepsis annually, with mortality rates ranging from 20% to 30%. For those who survive, recovery can be challenging and may include long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological effects. Many survivors also face ongoing health complications, with up to half requiring hospital readmission within the year following their illness.
Anyone can develop sepsis, but certain groups are at greater risk, including young children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions. Early recognition and timely treatment are critical to improving outcomes and saving lives.
To learn more about sepsis, its symptoms, and prevention, visit sepsiscanada.ca
Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Month & World Mitochondrial Disease Week – September 14 to 20, 2026
Without energy, we cannot survive. Every moment of every day, trillions of mitochondria generate the energy we need to survive. For those who are missing, or do not have enough healthy mitochondria, the impact can be devastating with symptoms that vary from mild to life-threatening.
MitoCanada is Canada’s only registered health foundation dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals, families, and caregivers affected by mitochondrial disease. Their mission is to energize and support patients, families, and healthcare providers across the country through education, support, awareness, and transformational research, aiming to be a trusted and reliable source of information and care.
For more information, please visit: mitopatients.org/mito-week and mitocanada.org
Rail Safety Week – September 21 to 27, 2026
Rail Safety Week will take place across Canada from September 21 to 27, 2026. In the past year, there were 252 railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada, resulting in 69 fatalities and 60 serious injuries - all of which were preventable. Increasing public awareness and education around rail safety is essential to reducing these incidents and saving lives. It is important to remind residents that railway rights-of-way are private property.
Communities play a key role in promoting safety by:
- Raising awareness of the dangers associated with highway-rail grade crossings
- Encouraging pedestrians and motorists to remain alert, look and listen when near railway tracks
- Reinforcing the importance of obeying all traffic laws and signals
Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership that collaborates with the rail industry, all levels of government, Indigenous communities, police services, and media to raise awareness, prevent injuries, and save lives.
For more information, please visit: cn.ca/railsafety and operationlifesaver.ca.
National Dental Care Day – October 10, 2026
National Dental Care Day (NDCD) is a coast-to-coast Canadian movement that celebrates dignity, compassion, and access to essential oral health services. Every October 10th, participating dentists and dental professionals volunteer their time to provide free dental care such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions, to individuals who face barriers to care. NDCD is organized by Doing Positive in My Backyard, a recognized grassroots volunteer initiative founded by Dr. Raj Khanuja, recipient of the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship. Since 2012, over $360,000 in free dental services have been provided through this initiative. This proclamation will encourage greater civic participation, community care, and equitable health access across Ontario.
For more information, please visit: nationaldentalcareday.ca