Medical Reserve Corps of Maricopa County

06/14/2026

Today is World Blood Donor Day
Every year, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day (WBDD). The event raises awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and thanks voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood.

A blood service that provides patients with access to safe blood and blood products in sufficient quantities is a key component of an effective health system. The global theme of World Blood Donor Day changes each year to recognize the selfless individuals who donate blood to people unknown to them.

06/11/2026

June is National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. An estimated 12 million people in the U.S. struggle with PTSD. It affects veterans and civilians alike—including survivors of combat, natural disasters, sexual violence, and serious accidents.
Despite the availability of effective trauma-focused therapies and medications, the majority of people living with PTSD do not seek the professional help they need.
To learn more and get help, visit the National Center for PTSD page here: https://ptsd.va.gov/

06/09/2026

Every June, the community comes together to support those living with headache and migraine disease; and educate everyone about the significant impact of these disabling disorders.

One in four U.S. households includes someone living with migraine disease. Nine out of ten people with migraine reported they could not “function normally” during days in which a migraine strikes. Nearly 3 in 10 require bed rest.

06/07/2026

Today we recognize National Cancer Survivors Day and celebrate the strength, resilience, and courage of cancer survivors everywhere. We also honor the families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and supporters who stand beside them every step of the way. Your stories inspire hope and remind us of the power of community and perseverance.

06/05/2026

National Doughnut Day origins begin during WWI, which is also referred to as the First World War. Over 4 million U.S. men and women served during the war, with almost 3 million of those serving overseas. With conflicts taking place in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Pacific, WWI was most difficult for troops fighting on the front lines.

In 1917, a group of women, often referred to as Lassie's, were sent to the front lines in France by the Salvation Army. They were directed to set up field bases near the front lines to boost troop morale. The makeshift "huts" were places where soldiers could stock up on necessities and get a brief break from the fighting. Little did they know the Salvation Army Lassie's would not only boost morale, but make history in the creation of one of the most celebrated food holidays.

The women working at the field bases felt they wanted to do more than simply restock troop supplies. They began making home-cooked food for the troops in hopes of giving them a small taste of home. It was during this time that the Lassies began handing out a sweet baked treat that would become known as the Salvation Army Doughnut. The story says the doughnuts were cooked inside the helmets of the troops, dubbing them as "doughboys", which was a standard term used for donuts. The Donut Lassies are said to be the reason we have National Doughnut Day today!

06/03/2026

June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness, support those affected, and honor the caregivers, families, and loved ones walking this journey every day. Alzheimer’s impacts millions of individuals and families, reminding us of the importance of compassion, connection, and continued research toward better treatments and, one day, a cure.

06/01/2026

Care doesn’t happen alone. Men’s health is shaped by relationships — partners, families, caregivers, friends, & communities at every stage of life. When men are supported via connection, education, & shared advocacy, they seek care, stay engaged, & live healthier, longer lives. This Men’s Health Month, we’re recognizing care as a partnership— because stronger connections lead to stronger health outcomes. ♦ www.MensHealthMonth.org ♦

Men's Health Month: Celebrated Every June MHM-2021-slider-introMHM-2021-slider-MHMMHM-2021-slider-weekMHM-2021-slider-IMHWMHM-2021-slider-day Men's Health Week: June 14-21, 2026 Blue Ribbon Pins, Brochures, Squeezy Prostates, and more June is Men’s Health Month! Throughout June, Men’s Health Net...

05/31/2026

Today we’re celebrating National Smile Day — because sometimes the simplest gesture can make the biggest impact.

Smiling isn’t just contagious — it’s good for you! Research shows that smiling can:

😊 Boost your mood by releasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and serotonin

😊 Reduce stress and help lower heart rate

😊 Strengthen social connections

😊 Make you appear more approachable and confident

😊 Encourage others to smile back (and pass it on!)

Even when life feels busy, taking a moment to smile — at a coworker, a neighbor, or even yourself in the mirror — can shift the tone of your whole day.

Fun Ways to Celebrate:

📸 Share a smiling selfie or tag someone who makes you smile

💌 Send a quick message of appreciation

😂 Watch or share something that makes you laugh

☀️ Do one small act of kindness for someone

A smile costs nothing, takes only a second, and can brighten someone’s entire day.

05/28/2026

Today we’re celebrating National Hamburger Day — the perfect excuse to fire up the grill and build your dream burger!

Whether you love a classic cheeseburger or enjoy trying bold new flavors, there’s a burger for everyone. Here are some fun ways to switch it up:

🧀 Topping Ideas

Classic Favorites:

• Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack

• Lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles

• Ketchup, mustard, mayo

Bold & Gourmet:

• Caramelized onions & blue cheese

• Avocado & chipotle aioli

• Fried egg & bacon

• Pineapple & teriyaki sauce

• Jalapeños & pepper jack

Fresh & Light:

• Arugula & goat cheese

• Cucumber & tzatziki

• Coleslaw & BBQ sauce

🌱 Meat & Plant-Based Alternatives

• Traditional ground beef (80/20 for juicy flavor)

• Ground turkey or chicken

• Bison for a leaner red meat option

• Black bean or lentil patties

• Portobello mushroom caps

• Popular plant-based patties like Beyond Burger or Impossible Burger

🔥 Tips for the Perfect Burger

✔ Don’t overwork the meat — gently form patties.

✔ Make a small thumbprint in the center to prevent puffing.

✔ Season generously with salt & pepper right before cooking.

✔ Grill over medium-high heat and flip only once.

✔ Let burgers rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.

✔ Toast your buns for extra flavor and structure.

However you build it, make it delicious and make it yours! 🍔

05/27/2026

Today we celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day — a reminder that staying active supports strength, balance, heart health, and overall well-being at every age.

Physical activity helps reduce the risk of chronic conditions, improves mood, supports cognitive health, and builds social connection. It’s never too late to start — even small steps make a big difference!

If you’re in the Phoenix area, here are a few great local options for staying active:

🌵 The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department offers senior fitness classes, walking groups, and wellness programming at community centers across the city.

💪 The YMCA of Southern Arizona and local Y branches provide senior-focused exercise classes, water aerobics, and strength training.

🚶 The Maricopa County Department of Public Health shares wellness resources and community health programs designed to support healthy aging.

🧘 Many local senior centers and community centers offer low-impact classes like yoga, tai chi, chair fitness, and balance training — check your neighborhood center for a schedule!

Let’s continue building strong, healthy communities — one step, stretch, and smile at a time.