May is recognized as an awareness month for numerous health, cultural, and social causes. Key awareness themes in May include:

• Mental Health Awareness Month, focusing on education, reducing stigma, and promoting mental health care

• American Stroke Awareness Month, Arthritis Awareness Month, Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Better Hearing and Speech Month, Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, Healthy Vision Month, Hepatitis Awareness Month, Lupus Awareness Month, Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, National Celiac Disease Awareness Month, and National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

• Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS) and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) Awareness Month, with community fundraising and awareness activities

• ALS Awareness Month (United States)

• National Military Appreciation Month, honoring those who have served in the military

• Heritage months including Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and Haitian Heritage Month, celebrating cultural contributions and histories

• Other notable observances include National Foster Care Month, National Pet Month (United States), National Smile Month (UK), and National Bike Month

May is thus a month rich with diverse awareness campaigns spanning health issues, cultural heritage, and social causes, providing opportunities for education, advocacy, and celebration