Inclusion Calendar

The UI Health Inclusion Calendar was created to build overall awareness of cultural and heritage months and celebrations. We hope to expand knowledge of American culture as many dates honor anniversaries of events in US history and to promote enhanced communication and compassion when scheduling events on/near cultural and heritage holidays.

Please note: This list is NOT all-inclusive of every culture and heritage. In addition, different customs may use a variation of the dates listed. If you would like to see another holiday or celebration recognized in future UI Health Inclusion Calendars, please share your feedback by emailing UIHealthDiversity@uic.edu.

*UI Health Holidays highlighted in blue apply to all employees working in essential units including but not limited to the University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics.


January 2024

Alcohol Concern Dry January, Cervical Health Awareness Month, National Blood Donor Month, National Mentoring Month, Poverty Awareness Month, Slavery And Human Trafficking Prevention Month, Thyroid Awareness Month

Kwanzaa
December 26, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Week-long celebration affirming African American heritage, values, community, and culture ending in a communal dinner called Karamu. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga.
New Year's Day
January 1, 2024
UI Health Holiday
World Braille Day
January 4, 2024
Observed on the birthday of the inventor of Braille, Louis Braille, this day serves to raise awareness of the importance of Braille as a means of inclusion and communication for those with vision impairments.
National Pharmacists Day
January 12, 2024
Korean American Day
January 13, 2024
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 15, 2024
Also known as MLK Day, this holiday marks the birthday of Martin Luther King Jr., the chief spokesperson for nonviolent activism in the Civil Rights Movement, which protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. UI Health Holiday
Old/Orthodox New Year
January 14
Makar Sankranti
January 15, 2024
Also referred to as Uttarayana, Makar, or simply Sankranti, is a Hindu observance and a festival.
National Day of Racial Healing
January 16, 2024
Bodhi Day
January 18, 2024
This Buddhist holiday remembers the day that Guatama Buddha is believed to attain enlightenment
Birthday of Guru Gobind Singh Ji
January 20, 2024
Also known as the Father of the Khalsa, Guru Gobind Singh Ji was the Tenth Guru of the Sikhs. He initiated the Sikhs as the Khalsa (the pure ones.)
IV Nurse Day
January 25, 2024
Tu b'shevat
January 24- 25, 2024
Tu b'shevat for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Wednesday, 24 and ends at nightfall on Thursday, 25 January 2024
Mahayana New Year
January 25, 2024
Holocaust Memorial Day
January 27, 2024
Remembers Holocaust victims on the anniversary of the 1945 Auschwitz death camp liberation. Former President Barack Obama remarked it is a day to "mourn the loss of lives, celebrate those who saved them, honor those who survived, and contemplate the obligations of the living.

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February

American Heart Month, Black History Month

Patient Recognition Week
February 1 - 7, 2024
National Wear Red Day/ Go Red for Women
February 2, 2024
National Women's Physicians Day
February 3, 2024
Peri-Anesthesia Nurse Week
February 4 - 10, 2024
Muslim holiday that commemorates the prophet Muhammad's nighttime journey from Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque" in Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily.
Lailat Al Miraj
February 6 - 7, 2024
Muslim holiday that commemorates the prophet Muhammad's nighttime journey from Mecca to the "Farthest Mosque" in Jerusalem, where he ascended to heaven, was purified, and given the instruction for Muslims to pray five times daily.
Chinese Lunar New Year
February 10
A significant holiday commemorated across much of Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Tibet, and Vietnam. The Lunar New Year is a time of family reunion and celebration. It is also known as Spring Festival. Many traditions differ, but one might see firecrackers, paper lanterns, and lion masks dancing amid a Lunar New Year parade.
Tet
February 10
The Vietnamese New Year celebration, occurring during the first seven days of the first month of the lunar calendar
Mardi Gras
February 10
Phlebotomists Recognition Week
February 12 – 16, 2024
https://ehso.uic.edu
Lab Safety Awareness Week
February 13 - 17, 2024
https://ehso.uic.edu
Cardiovascular Professionals Week
February 14 - 20, 2024
Ash Wednesday
February 14, 2024
First day of Lent on the Christian calendar
National Caregivers' Day
February 16, 2024
Magha Puja Day
February 16, 2024
Those observing this day will meditate on the Three Jewels of Buddhism. It is traditional for Buddhists to gather at the temple and circle the main hall three times while holding candles and burning incense
Presidents Day
February 19, 2024
World Day of Social Justice
February 20, 2024
National Thank a Resident/Fellow Day
TBD (February 23, 2024)
Makha Bucha Day
February 24, 2024
In Thailand, Makha is the 3rd lunar month and Bucha means to honor. Makha Bucha commemorates the full mood day of the 3rd lunar month when Buddha delivered his core teachings
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week
February 26 - March 1, 2024

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March

Bisexual Health Awareness Month, Brain Injury Awareness Month, National Irish American Heritage Month, National Nutrition Month, Social Worker Month, Women’s History Month, Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

St. David's Day
March 1, 2024
Employee Appreciation Day
March 3, 2024
Holika Dahan
March 7, 2024
International Women's Day
March 8, 2024
First observed in 1911 in Germany, International Women's Day is a major global celebration honoring women's economic, political, and social achievements.
Maha Shivaratri
March 8, 2024
Hindu festival celebrated each year to honor Lord Shiva. It is celebrated just before the arrival of spring. It is also known as the Great Night of Shiva or Shivaratri and is one of the largest and most significant among the sacred festival nights of India.
Daylight Saving (start)
March 10, 2024
Patient Safety Awareness Week
March 10 – 16, 2024
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week
March 10 – 16, 2024
Healthcare HR Professionals Week
March 11 - 15, 2024
Beginning of Ramadan
March 11 - April 10, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Ramadan, an Islamic holiday marked by fasting, praise, prayer, and devotion to Islam.
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
March 13, 2024
St. Patrick's Day
March 17, 2024
Started in Ireland, a holiday to recognize St. Patrick, the patron saint who brought Christianity to that country in the early days of the faith.
Healthcare HR Week
March 18 - 22, 2024
LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week
March 18- 22, 2024
Neurodiversity Celebration Week
March 18-24, 2024
National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
March 18 - 24, 2024
World Down Syndrome Day
March 21, 2024
Hindu New Year
March 22, 2024
First day of Hindu Luni-Solar calendar and beginning celebration of Chaitra Navaratri, a nine-day festival.
Ugadi/ Gudi Padwa
March 22, 2024
Springtime festival that marks the new year for Marathi and Konkani Hindus along with Hindus from Central Indian states.
Purim
March 23-24, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
A Jewish celebration that marks the time when the Jewish community living in Persia was saved from genocide. On Purim, Jewish people dress up in costumes, offer charity, and share food with friends.
Palm Sunday
March 24, 2024
Holi
March 25, 2024
The annual Hindu and Sikh spring religious festival observed in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, along with other countries with large Hindu and Sikh populations. People celebrate Holi by throwing colored powder and water at each other. Bonfires are lit the day before in memory of the miraculous escape that young Prahlada accomplished when demoness Holika carried him into the fire. It is often celebrated on the full moon (the Phalguna Purnima) before the beginning of the vernal equinox as based on the Hindu calendar
Maundy Thursday
March 28, 2024
This day is named after Jesus' commandment to his disciples to love one another. Maundy Thursday demonstrates the importance of humility and service by remembering Jesus washing the feet of his disciples
Good Friday
March 29, 2024
a day celebrated by Christians to commemorate the execution of Jesus by crucifixion. It is recognized on the Friday before Easter.
National Vietnam War Veteran's Day
March 29, 2024
Doctor's Day
March 30, 2024
UI Health observed
Ram Navami
March 30, 2024
Hindu day of worship and celebration of the seventh avatar of Vishnu (Lord Rama). Devotees typically wear red and place extravagant flowers on the shrine of the god.
Anesthesia Technician Day
March 31, 2024
Easter
March 31, 2024
a holiday celebrated by Christians to recognize Jesus' return from death after the crucifixion.
Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV)
March 31, 2024
International Transgender Day of Visibility is an annual event occurring on March 31 dedicated to celebrating transgender people and raising awareness of discrimination faced by transgender people worldwide, as well as a celebration of their contributions to society.
Patient Access Week
March 31 - April 6, 2024

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April

Arab American Heritage Month, Autism Acceptance Month, Celebrate Diversity Month, Minority Health Awareness Week, National Donate Life Month, National Volunteer Month, Occupational Therapy Month, National Deaf History Month, National Minority Health Month, Stress Awareness Month

National Public Health Week
April 1 - 7, 2024
World Autism Day
April 2, 2024
Patient Access Week
April 3 - 9, 2024
National Tartan Day
April 6, 2024
Tartan Day is a Scottish heritage celebration on 6 April. This day is the date when the Declaration of Arbroath signing took place in 1320. On this day, Scotland got its independence from England, and they could use military action when attacked.
Laylat al Qadr
April 6, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
The holiest night of the year for Muslims and is known as the Night of Power. It commemorates the night the Quran was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad and is traditionally celebrated on the twenty-seventh day of Ramadan.
World Health Day
April 7, 2024
Eid Al-Fitr
April 10, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
End of Ramadan
Black Maternal Health Week
April 11-17, 2024
On April 10th President Biden officially proclaimed April 11th through April 17, 2024, as Black Maternal Health Week to raise awareness of the state of Black maternal health in the United States. Addressing Black maternal health has been a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration. https://blackmamasmatter.org/2024-black-maternal-health-week/
Vaisakhi
April 13, 2024
(also known as Baisakhi) Commemorates the founding of the Sikh community as the Khalsa (community of the initiated) and the birth of the Khalsa. Celebrates justice and creation of a more equal society.
Medical Laboratory Professionals Week
April 14 - 20, 2024
World Voice Day
April 16, 2024
Health Information Professional Week
April 18 – 24, 2024
National Volunteer Week
April 21 - 27, 2024
Administrative Professionals Week
April 21 - 27, 2024
Earth Day
April 22, 2024
Transplant Nurses Week
April 22 – 29, 2024
Passover
April 22 - 30, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
An eight-day Jewish holiday in commemoration of the emancipation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt.
Administrative Professionals Day
April 24, 2024
Lesbian Visibility Day
April 26, 2024
Patient Experience Week
April 29 - May 3, 2024
Patient Experience Week is an annual event designed to honor and celebrate all team members who have an impact on patient experience. UI Health activities will involve themes around quality, safety, collaboration, partnership and the ICARE values.

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May

Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, American Stroke Month, Better Speech and Hearing Month, Critical Care Recognition Month, Indian Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month, National Nurses Month, National Physical Fitness & Sports Month, National Speech-Language-Hearing Month, Older Americans Month, Oncology Nurses Month

Nurses Week UI Health Observed
May 1 - 5, 2024
National Day of Prayer
May 2, 2024
A day of observance in the United States when people are asked to "turn to God in prayer and meditation."
Orthodox Good Friday
May 3, 2024
Cinco de Mayo
May 5, 2024
The holiday commemorates the Mexican Army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867).
Orthodox Easter
May 5, 2024
Nurses Day
May 6, 2024
National Nurses Week
May 6 - 12, 2024
National Hospital Week
May 7 - 13, 2024
Mother's Day
May 12, 2024
National Skilled Nursing Care Week
May 12 – 18, 2024
Neuroscience Nurses Week
May 12 – 18, 2024
Healthcare Technology Management Week
May 14 - 20, 2024
Food Allergy Awareness Week
May 14-20, 2024
https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/facts-and-statistics
"International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 17, 2024
Speech-Language Pathologists Day
May 18, 2024
Visakha Puja
May 19, 2024
Also known as Buddha Day, this Buddhist festival marks Gautama Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. It falls on the day of the full moon in and is a gazetted holiday in India. Alternative dates of celebration include May 5th and May 19th.
Pentecost
May 19, 2024
Marks the day the Holy Spirit came to Jesus' early followers, establishing the church and bringing spiritual renewal.
Bike to Work Day
May 19, 2024
Healthcare Documentation Integrity Week (Medical Records)
May 19 – 25, 2024
World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development
May 21, 2024
Established by the United Nations as an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the values of cultural diversity and to learn to live together in harmony. https://www.unesco.org/en/days/cultural-diversity-dialogue-development
EMS Week
May 21 - 27, 2024
Lag B'Omer
May 26, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Jewish holiday marking the day of hillula of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
Memorial Day
May 27, 2024
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces. UI Health Holiday

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June

Caribbean American Heritage Month, Immigrant Heritage Month, LGBTQ+ Pride Month, National Cancer Survivor Month, National Safety Month, Wound Care Awareness Month

HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day
June 5, 2024
Hand Therapy Week
TBD
Community Health Improvement Week
June 10 – 14, 2024
Men’s Health Week
June 10 – 16, 2024
Shavout
June 11 - 13, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Jewish holiday that has double significance. It marks the wheat harvest in Israel and commemorates the anniversary of the day when the Jews received the Torah at Mount Sinai.
Loving Day
June 12, 2024
Nursing Assistants Week/CNA Week
June 13 – 19, 2024
Flag Day
June 14, 2024
Waqf al Arafa
June 15-16, 2024
the second day of pilgrimage within the Islamic faith.
Father's Day
June 16, 2024
Eid al-Adha
June 17, 2024
Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice is the second and the largest of the two main holidays celebrated in Islam. It honors the willingness of Abraham to sacrifice his son, either Isaac or Ismail, as an act of obedience to God's command
Health Risk Management Week
June 17 - 21, 2024
International Day for Countering Hate Speech
June 18, 2024
Juneteenth
June 19, 2024
Also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. This celebration honors the day in 1865 when slaves in Texas finally learned they were free, two months after the end of the Civil War. June 19, therefore, became the day of emancipation for thousands of African Americans. UI Health Holiday.
Pride Day
June 28, 2024

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July

Disability Pride Month, French American Heritage Month, National Cancer Survivor Month

Dharma Day
July 3, 2024
Celebration of Buddha's first teachings.
Independence Day
July 4, 2024
Also known as Fourth of July, this holiday celebrates the passage of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. UI Health Holiday
National Therapeutic Recreation Week
July 7 – 13, 2024
International Nonbinary People's Day
July 14, 2024
Celebrates the contributions of nonbinary people around the world while also raising awareness and organizing around the many systemic issues they face.
Ashura
July 16-17
Ashura is a holy day for Muslims all over the world, observed on the 9th and 10th day of Muharram, according to the Islamic calendar
South Asian Heritage Month begins
July 18-August 18
Disability Independence Day
July 26, 2024
Celebrates the anniversary of the 1990 signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
National Korean War Veteran's Armistice Day
July 27, 2024
National Parent's Day
July 28, 2024
International Day of Friendship
July 30, 2024
Proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures, and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities.

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August

National Immunization Awareness Month, Neurosurgical Awareness Month

National Health Center Week
August 4 - 10, 2024
Purple Heart Day
August 7, 2024
International Day of the World's Indigenous People
August 9, 2024
Tisha B'Av
August 12-13, 2024
An annual fast day in Judaism known as one of the most tragic days in Jewish history since it saw a number of disasters that affected Jews for years to come.
Obon
August 13 - 15, 2024
Buddhist festival and Japanese custom that honors the spirits of ancestors.
Relaxation Day
August 15, 2024
South Asian Heritage Month Ends
August 17, 2024
Raksha Bandhan
August 19, 2024
The festival is made up of two words, namely "Raksha" and "Bandhan." As per the Sanskrit terminology, the occasion means "the tie or knot of protection" where "Raksha" stands for the protection and "Bandhan" signifies the verb to tie. Together, the festival symbolizes the eternal love of brother-sister relationship
Health Unit Coordinator Day
August 23, 2024
Health Unit Coordinator Week
August 23 - 29, 2024
Women's Equality Day
August 26, 2024
Congresswoman Bella Abzug first introduced a proclamation for Women's Equality Day in 1971. The day commemorates the 1920 certification of the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution that gave women the right to vote. Every US President since 1971 has published a proclamation recognizing August 26 as Women's Equality Day.
International Day for People of African Decent
August 31, 2024

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September

Baby Safety Month, Childhood Cancer Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 - October 15, National Recovery Month, National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, National Suicide Prevention Month, Pain Awareness Month

Labor Day
September 2, 2024
A federal holiday in the United States celebrated on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the contributions of laborers. UI Health Holiday
Krishna Janmashtami
September 6, 2024
Hindu celebration of Lord Vishnu's most powerful human incarnation, Krishna, the god of love and compassion. Celebrations include praying and fasting.
Physical Therapy Day
September 8, 2024
National Healthcare EVS Week
September 8 – 14, 2024
Vascular Nurses Week
September 8 – 14, 2024
National Historically Black Colleges and Universities Week
September 10 - 16, 2024
Held annually the second week in September, a weeklong celebration of the vital role HBCUs play in molding Black leaders, encouraging high-school aged youth to enroll into HBCU's, providing scholarship dollars for matriculation, and sustaining a pipeline for employment from undergraduate to corporate America.
Housekeeping & Environmental Services Appreciation Week
September 10 - 16, 2024
National Day of Service and Remembrance
September 11, 2024
Construction Appreciation Week
September 11 - 15, 2024
National Hispanic Serving Institutions Week
September 11 - 17, 2024
National Neonatal Nurses Week
September 11 - 17, 2024
Mawlid Al-Nabi
September 15, 2024
Observance of the birthday of Islam's founder, the prophet Muhammad, celebrated during the month of Rabiulawal, the third month of the Muslim calendar. Shi'a Muslims celebrate it five days later than Sunni Muslims.
Mexican Independence Day
September 16, 2024
Nursing Professional Development Week
September 16 – 20, 2024
IT Professional Day
September 17, 2024
Ganesh Chaturthi
September 18, 2024
Hindu holiday lasting approximately ten days, in which the Hindu god, Ganesh, is praised and given offerings.
International Equal Pay Day
September 18, 2024
Celebrated for the first time in 2020, represents the long-standing efforts toward the achievement of equal pay for work of equal value. It further builds on the United Nations' commitment to human rights and its efforts to eliminate all forms of discrimination, including discrimination against women and girls.
International Day of Peace
September 21, 2024
Each year the International Day of Peace is observed around the world on September 21st. The UN General Assembly has declared this as a day devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire.
National Food Service Employees Day
September 26 - 27, 2024
Native American Day
September 27, 2024
National Public Land's Day
September 28, 2024

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October

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Filipino American History Month, Healthy Lung Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15, 2024 - October 15, 2024, National Pharmacy Month, National Physical Therapy Month, Polish American Heritage Month

Midwifery Week
October 1 - 7, 2024
Healthcare Supply Chain Week
October 1 - 7, 2024
Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week
October 1 - 7, 2024
Rosh Hashanah
October 2- 4, 2024
Jewish New Year celebration, marking the creation of the world.
Pediatric Nurses Week
October 2 - 6, 2024
Navrati
October 3-12, 2024
Each year, on each day of Navaratri, an incarnation of "Goddess Durga" is worshipped to celebrate the day of her victory over Mahishasura, and the ultimate victory of "Good over Evil."
National Physician Assistant Week
October 6 - 12, 2024
Dialysis Technician Recognition Week
October 7 - 12, 2024
Case Management Week
October 8 - 14, 2024
Emergency Nurses Week
October 9 - 15, 2024
World Mental Health Day
October 10, 2024
Yom Kippur
October 11, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Holiest day on the Jewish calendar, this day of atonement is marked by fasting and ceremonial repentance.
National Coming Out Day
October 11, 2024
For those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, this day celebrates coming out and the recognition of the 1987 march on Washington for gay and lesbian equality.
Healthcare Security and Safety Week
October 13 - 19, 2024
Indigenous Peoples Day
October 14, 2024
Gives recognition to the indigenous populations affected by colonization.
National Patient Account Management Week
TBD
Bosses Day
October 16, 2024
Sukkot
October 16-23, 2024
The Jewish holiday of Sukkot, also known as the Feast of Booths, beings on the 15th day of the seventh month in the biblical calendar or October 16th this year
International Pronouns Day
October 18, 2024
Held annually on the third Wednesday of October. Pronouns Day is celebrated to make respecting, sharing, and educating about personal pronouns more commonplace.
National Medical Assistant Day
October 18, 2024
National Pharmacy Week
October 21 - 27, 2024
National Healthcare Facilities & Engineering Week
October 22 - 28, 2024
National Massage Therapy Awareness Week
October 22 - 28, 2024
National Respiratory Care Week
October 22 - 28, 2024
Pastoral/Spiritual Care Week
October 22 - 28, 2024
National Medical Assistants Day
October 23, 2024
Shemini Atzeret
October 23 - 25, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Jewish holiday also known as The Eighth (Day) of Assembly, takes place the day after the Sukkot festival, where gratitude for the fall harvest is deeply internalized. Work is traditionally prohibited.
Simchat Torah
October 23 - 25, 2024 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Jewish holiday, marks the end of the weekly readings of the Torah. The Torah is read from chapter one of Genesis to Deuteronomy 34 and then back to chapter one again, in acknowledgement of the words of the Torah being a never-ending cycle.
Halloween
October 21, 2024

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November

American Diabetes Month, National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, National Family Caregivers Month, National Veterans and Military Families Month, Native American Heritage Month

Medical-Surgical Nurses Week
November 1 – 7, 2024
Daylight Saving (End)
November 3, 2024
National Radiological Technology Week
November 3 – 9, 2024
National Patient Transport Week
November 3 – 9, 2024
Election Day
November 5, 2024
International Pathology Day
November 8, 2024
Health Care Strategy & Market Development Week
November 10 – 16, 2024
Perioperative Week
November 10 – 16, 2024
Veterans Day
November 11, 2024
Diwali
October 31-November 2, 2024
The Hindu, Jain, and Sikh five-day festival of lights celebrates new beginnings and the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
Nurse Practitioner Week
November 12 - 18, 2024
Transgender Awareness Week
November 13 - 19, 2024
Held the week before Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) 11/20. People and organizations work to raise the visibility of transgender people- their contributions and the challenges they face day to day.
Operating Room Nurse Day
November 14, 2024
America Recycles Day
November 15, 2024
International Day for Tolerance
November 16, 2024
International Men's Day
November 19, 2024
Celebrated in over 70 countries this holiday emphasizes issues impacting males.
Transgender Day of Remembrance
November 20, 2024
Established in 1998 to memorialize those who have been killed as a result of transphobia and raise awareness of the continued violence endured by the transgender community.
Thanksgiving
November 28, 2024
An autumn harvest holiday and celebration in the United States. UI Health Holiday
Native American Heritage Day
November 29, 2024
Held annually on the Friday after Thanksgiving, encourages Americans of all backgrounds to observe and honor Native Americans through appropriate ceremonies and activities. The law establishing the day was signed by President George W. Bush in 2008.

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December

Universal Human Rights Month

World AIDS Day
December 1, 2024
International Day of Persons with Disabilities
December 3, 2024
National Handwashing Awareness Week
December 3 - 9, 2024
Advent
December 3 - 24, 2024
Christian season of celebration leading up to Christmas.
National Influenza Vaccination Week
December 6 – 12, 2024
Bodhi Day
December 8, 2024
Buddhist holiday that commemorates the day the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama (Shakyamuni), experienced enlightenment; also known as Bodhi in Sanskrit and Pali.
International Human Rights Day
December 10, 2024
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
December 12, 2024
Las Posadas
December 16 - 24, 2024
A Mexican religious celebration lasting nine days. It commemorates the trials Mary and Joseph endured in their journey to Bethlehem.
Christmas Day
December 25, 2024
A religious and cultural celebration festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. UI Health Holiday
Hanukkah
December 25, 2024 - January 2, 2025 (observed from sundown until sundown)
Jewish holiday that is celebrated for eight days and nights. Hanukkah celebrates the victory of the Maccabean, leaders of the Jewish people, over the Greek Syrian ruler, Antiochus, approximately 2,200 years ago.
Kwanzaa
December 26, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Week-long celebration affirming African American heritage, values, community, and culture ending in a communal dinner called Karamu. Kwanzaa was created in 1966 by Maulana Karenga.

Please note: This list is NOT all-inclusive of every culture and heritage. In addition, different customs may use a variation of the dates listed.

If you would like to see another holiday or celebration recognized in future UI Health Inclusion Calendars, please share your feedback by emailing UIHealthDiversity@UIC.EDU

*UI Health Holidays highlighted in blue apply to all employees working in essential units including but not limited to the University of Illinois Hospital and Clinics.