National Minority Donor Awareness Day, August 1, was created to raise awareness about the need for more minority tissue and organ donors. According to the United Network for Organ Sharing, there are more than 40,000 minorities waiting for transplants. For more information, call the National Minority Organ and Tissue Transplant Education Program (M.O.T.T.E.P.) at (202) 865-4888 or visit www.nationalmottep.org.

La Leche League International invites you to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week, August 1 to 7. According to the organization, breastfeeding may help ward off illnesses like childhood leukemia, respiratory infections and even breast cancer in mothers. La Leche League International also reports that the U.S. has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, a fact they hope to change. For more information, call (847) 519-7730 or visit www.lalecheleague.org.

National Night Out, August 3, is a crime and drug prevention effort that uses this night each year to gain support and participation in local anti-crime programs. This event also strengthens the sense of community and therefore deters criminals by showing that neighborhoods are organized and informed. Last year’s event involved more than 10,000 communities from all 50 states, including participation from more than 34 million people. To find out how you can be a part of this important event, call (800) NITE-OUT (648-3688) or visit www.nationalnightout.org.

As we prepare for the start of the school year, the National Partnership for Immunization reminds us of the importance of vaccinations for children and adults alike. During National Immunization Month, the partnership asks the public to make immunization a top priority. Immunizations can increase your life span and keep you from dealing with ailments like the flu. For more information, call (703) 836-6110 or visit www.partnersforimmunization.org.

Did you know that 20.5 million people age 40 and older have developed cataracts? According to the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology, cataracts are the one of the most curable causes of vision loss. In fact, each year around 1.5 million surgeries to remove cataracts are performed. During Cataract Awareness Month, become informed on what you can do to preserve your eye sight. For more information, call (800) 633-5784 or visit www.paeyemds.org.