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On April 27, 1865, at approximately 2:00 AM, the day after President Lincoln's assassination and after the end of the Civil War, about 1,168 (actual total unknown) Union soldiers, civilian passengers, and crew were killed aboard the steamboat Sultana on the Mississippi River, near Memphis, Tennessee. The boat was designed to carry just 365 people, including its crew of 85. It was overloaded with 2,000+ people attempting to return home after surviving as POWs. Time and luck were against it. Throughout the war, the two-year-old ship was poorly maintained. Its owners saw an opportunity to make a fast buck, ferrying returning soldiers up the river home. Additionally, the river was at spring high water levels from the melting snow and changing seasons. When the boiler powering the ship exploded, the wooden vessel quickly became consumed by flames, burning many alive in their beds and sending many more into the fast-moving, frigid waters of America's largest river in darkness. Many would drown, and others would die from hypothermia before rescue boats could arrive. The destruction of the Sultana is considered the worst maritime disaster in American history to this day. The captain died in the explosion. To this day, no person or organization has been held responsible for the disaster. Monuments are in Memphis, Tennessee; Muncie, Indiana; Marion, Arkansas; Vicksburg, Mississippi; Cincinnati, Ohio; Knoxville, Tennessee; Hillsdale, Michigan and Mansfield, Ohio. The shipwreck was discovered in 1982. In 2015, the Sultana Disaster Museum opened in Marion, Arkansas.

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Apr

Tapir Day, World: April 27

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World Tapir Day raises awareness of the species of tapir that inhabit Central and South America and Southeast Asia. One of its objectives is to raise funds to purchase land to protect the animal's habitat from human encroachment. Tapirs are large herbivorous mammals native to the jungle and forest regions of South America, Central America, and Southeast Asia. As large herbivores, tapirs are invariably the first species affected by human encroachment and amongst the last to return to regrowth forests. They require substantial tracts of undisturbed land to maintain a genetically-diverse population. Tapirs are threatened by human activity, including mining, palm oil plantations, roads, and settlements. They form an essential part of the ecosystem as seed dispersers and are one of the oldest surviving species in the animal kingdom. All tapirs are endangered species. Saving tapirs helps to protect the rainforest. Saving rainforests helps to save the planet and prevent climate change.

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Apr

Tell a Story Day (1897): April 27

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Honoring the publication of "How to Tell a Story and Other Essays" by Mark Twain on April 27, 1897, "Tell a Story Day" marks this anniversary. The book celebrates storytelling and urges writers, aspiring artists, and everyday people to take a crack at storytelling. You never know where it might lead!

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Apr

Tornado Day, Ntl. (2011): April 27

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Between 8 AM on April 27 and 8 AM on April 28, 2011, 226 tornados touched down in the United States, killing 334 people. It was the most intensive outbreak of tornados ever recorded in the country. Today is a day to focus on tornado safety and prevention.

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May

Air Quality Awareness Week: May 5-9

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Created in 2006 by the US Environmental Protection Agency, National Air Quality Awareness Week seeks to educate the public about various forms of pollution and toxins that can inhibit air quality indoors and out. It further seeks to help people and communities make small changes that improve their lives and those of their loved ones.

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Apr

Blueberry Pie Day: April 28

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Blueberry Pie Day is your excuse to enjoy this all-American pastry. Blueberries are native to the United States, but they’ve only been part of the American diet for over 100 years. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, low in calories, and blend well with several flavors, including oats, salads, pancakes, and pies!

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Apr

Confederate Memorial Day (US-AL)(1865): April 28*

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Confederate Memorial Day occurs in several former states of the Confederacy on different days of the year. In some cases it is no longer referred to as Confederate Memorial Day but rather as a state holiday. It is an official state holiday in most and honors the men who died fighting for the Confederacy during the American Civil War, 1861-1865. The dates are as follows: Alabama: fourth Monday in April Mississippi: Last Monday in April Tennessee, Kentucky, and Louisiana: June 3 on Jefferson Davis's birthday, 1808 North and South Carolina: May 10 Anniversary of the death of General "Stonewall" Jackson in 1863 Texas: January 19 Birthday of Robert E. Lee 1807 Due to the 400-year legacy of slavery (ending in 1865) and state-supported racial segregation (ending in 1964), this event is highly contentious and seen as a celebration of racism by many critics. Detractors insist this plays into existing racism and celebrates white supremacy and slavery. Proponents of the observance insist that the Confederacy played a part in shaping who we are, its ramifications, and its contributions continue today. To deny a portion of our past, good and bad, is selective censorship. On the contrary, this event can be used to explore the unspoken but oft-felt prejudices and perceived reality that political correctness squelches. Whether you side with the detractors or the proponents, the best way to acknowledge this month is to spend some time reading the Constitution of the United States and learning history. History, not social studies. A great place to start is with Howard Zinn's People's History of the United States, which some states, including Arizona, have tried to ban from their schools. Why? Because it is a history of the American people, not the leaders, and looks at the nation from the perspective of the 99%, the immigrants, migrant workers, women, religious minorities, slaves, the common man.

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Apr

Confederate Memorial Day (US-MS)(1865): April 28*

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Apr

Cubicle Day, Ntl. (1967): April 28

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Do you live in a cube farm during the day? There was a time when the cube walls were high enough to afford privacy. Now it is more likely to be an open floor plan with very little privacy that allows managers always to see everyone. Gone are the offices of middle management. Cube farms leave space for only the most senior people to have an actual door. The "corner office" quest is now the quest for a "door." National Cubicle Day marks the introduction of cubicles to the workforce on April 28, 1967. Robert Propst is the inventor of the cubicle, and he worked for Herman Miller at the time. Cubicles were created to subdivide open office spaces and give workers some privacy while promoting the free flow of ideas. Prior to cubicles, secretarial, knowledge, and low-level workers sat in open rows of desks with little or no privacy. At least cubicles gave them some. Federal Reserve Bank of New York was the first business to use an office formation similar to the cubicle in 1963. They formed the test case. Cubicles were an improvement fifty years ago. But like the airlines stripping us of our legroom and space, corporations realized they could fit more people into the room if they arranged the desks as tiny boxes, a concept contrary to why they were designed. Today they are hated by most workers. The creator of the original cubicle (Called Action Office II) had this to say in 1997 after seeing his invention in use. "The cubiclizing of people in modern corporations is monolithic insanity." As a former cube inhabitant, this writer must agree.

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Apr

Ed Balls Day (2011): April 28

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British MP Ed Balls sent a Tweet on April 28, 2011, that amused the Twitter-sphere. He was attempting to discover what people were saying about him. Instead of searching for his name, he tweeted his name, Ed Balls @EDballs. The latent tween that seems to inhabit most people burst out that year, and the tweet became a meme, and then an annual tradition of tweets and Ed Balls Day was born.

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Apr

Gardening Week, Ntl. (UK): Aprl 28 - May 4 (est)

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National Gardening Week was launched in 2011 by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and aims to become the country’s biggest celebration of gardening in the United Kingdom. Thousands of people, gardens, charities, retailers, culture and heritage organizations and groups get involved each year. The United State’s Gardening Week is in June.

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Apr

Kiss Your Mate Day: April 28

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Kiss Your Mate Day is an excuse to kiss your wife, husband, girlfriend, or boyfriend. Show your love this day by kissing your partner. Kiss Your Mate Day is an unofficial event with no sponsor.

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Apr

Multiple Sclerosis Week (UK): April 28 - May 4 (est)

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National Multiple Sclerosis Week in the United Kingdom occurs annually and is an initiative of the Multiple Sclerosis Trust. It seeks to raise awareness about the damage MS causes and what we can do to help those surviving and living with it.

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Apr

National Day of Mourning (CA): April 28

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Nationally declared in 1991, Canada's National Day of Mourning pays tribute to the thousands of people who have lost their lives, gotten sick, or injured while doing their job. Its purpose is both to remember and refocus on workplace health and safety.

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Apr

Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (NZ): April 28 - May 4 (est)

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PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK IN NEW ZEALAND Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand focuses on raising awareness about the mental health challenges faced by parents during the perinatal period, encompassing pregnancy and the first year after birth. This week educates the public, healthcare professionals, and policymakers about the significance of perinatal mental health and advocates for better support and resources for affected individuals and families. Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week aims to improve awareness and understanding of perinatal mental health conditions among the general public and healthcare providers in New Zealand to reduce the stigma associated with these conditions, encourage parents to seek help and promote the availability of resources and support. The week advocates for systemic changes in treating perinatal mental health issues, including improving screening and treatment options for conditions in addition to more significant investment in mental health services. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that all parents in New Zealand receive the support they need to maintain their mental health and well-being during the perinatal period. WHAT IS "PERINATAL?" The term "perinatal" refers to the period surrounding birth. It typically includes the time from the 22nd week of gestation (approximately the sixth month of pregnancy) to seven days after birth. However, in broader contexts, it can sometimes extend to cover the entire duration of pregnancy and the first year after birth. In the context of perinatal mental health, it encompasses mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy (antenatal) and the postpartum period (after childbirth), highlighting the significance of mental health care throughout this critical time for both the parent and the baby. TOP FIVE MOST COMMON PERINATAL CONDITIONS Perinatal mental health conditions are mental health issues that occur during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. The top five perinatal mental health conditions are: Perinatal Depression—Perinatal depression includes both antenatal depression (during pregnancy) and postpartum depression (after childbirth). Symptoms can range from sadness and fatigue to severe mood swings and inability to bond with the baby. It affects many new mothers and, in some cases, fathers. Perinatal Anxiety—This condition includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that occur during the perinatal period. Symptoms include excessive worry, fear, and intrusive thoughts, which can significantly impact a parent's ability to function. Postpartum Psychosis—A rare but severe mental health condition that usually develops within the first few weeks after childbirth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe mood swings, and confusion. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention as it can pose severe risks to both the mother and the baby. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)—PTSD can occur after a traumatic childbirth experience. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event. This condition can affect a parent's ability to care for their baby and engage in daily activities. Perinatal Bipolar Disorder—Bipolar disorder can be triggered or exacerbated by pregnancy and childbirth. Symptoms include extreme mood swings that range from manic episodes (high energy, euphoria, or irritability) to depressive episodes (low energy, sadness, or hopelessness). Proper management and treatment are crucial for the well-being of both the parent and the baby. These conditions require timely recognition and appropriate treatment to ensure the health and well-being of both the parent and the child. THE EVENT'S HISTORY Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week was established in New Zealand in 2014, driven by the Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA). Recognizing the urgent need to address perinatal mental health issues in the country, PADA aimed to increase public awareness and understanding of conditions such as perinatal depression and anxiety, which can have profound effects on parents and their families. Healthcare professionals, mental health organizations, advocacy groups, and community members across New Zealand actively participate in Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week. Activities during the week include educational workshops, seminars, and webinars aimed at healthcare providers to enhance their knowledge and skills in supporting parents with perinatal mental health issues. Support groups and mental health organizations host events and campaigns to share information and personal stories, creating a supportive community for those affected. Social media campaigns using hashtags such as #PMHAWNZ and #PerinatalMentalHealthNZ are prevalent, helping spread awareness and connecting individuals to resources and support networks. Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand is vital in highlighting the mental health challenges faced by new and expectant parents, fostering a more supportive and informed community, and advocating for better mental health care and resources for parents and families. Australia observes a similar week in November.

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