Special Emphasis Observances
The IHS Special Emphasis Program is required to observe National Disability Employment Awareness Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month and Women's History Month. In addition, IHS may observe other special emphasis programs to improve the workplace environment by promoting diversity. The following are Special Emphasis Observances implemented by Presidential Proclamation, Executive Orders and Public Laws as cited below:
January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, Authority: Public Law 98-399, 98 Stat. 1473
February
African American History Month, Authority: Public Law 99-244, 100 Stat. 6
March
Women's History Month, Authority: Public Law 103-22, 107 Stat. 58
April
No Observances
May
Jewish American Heritage Month, Authority: Presidential Proclamation
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 101-283, 104 Stat. 168
June
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, Authority: Executive Order 11478, as amended by Executive Order 13087
July
No Observances
August
26th: Women's Equality Day, Authority: Presidential Proclamation
September
September 15 thru October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 90-498, 82 Stat. 848, as amended by Public Law 100-402, 102 Stat. 1012
October
National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Authority: Presidential Proclamation
November
National Native American Indian/Alaska Native Heritage Month, Authority: Public Law 101-343, 104 Stat. 392
- On November 29, 2022, IHS hosted a traditional storytelling event to celebrate Native American Heritage Month, featuring Andy Joseph, Jr., Vice Chair of the Colville Business Council and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, and Colleen Cawston, Chief Executive Officer of the Colville Service Unit. Watch the event here .
December
No Observances
Indian Heritage Month Poster (2007)
