National Public Health Week is April 4-10

Posted by Emily Glenn on April 4th, 2016 Posted in: Health Observances, Public Health

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National Public Health Week, held April 4-10, 2016, is an annual observance to recognize the contribution and importance of public health in our communities. President Obama, in his National Public Health Week proclamation of April 1, 2016, inspires Americans to bring public health into focus for future generations.  “During National Public Health Week, we join together to enhance public health–the foundation of our security and well-being–here at home and around the world. By supporting health professionals and embracing our obligations to promote public health and protect our planet, we can uphold our shared responsibility to preserve the promise of a happy and healthy life for our children and grandchildren.”

Here in the Pacific Northwest, regional public health associations have organized a number of events and communications to raise awareness of National Public Health Week.

Two Mini-Grant Award Recipients were recognized during the Alaska Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week activities. North Slope organized a National Public Health week fair (“This is Public Health”) and offer community health presentations and health screenings. The All Alaska Pediatric Partnership created and posted WIC bulletin boards throughout the State highlighting the value of childhood immunizations.

Oregon Public Health Week  includes a number of in-person and virtual events to bring people together around current public health issues.  Check out a webinar on Public Health Authority over Drinking Water Quality, the  3rd Annual OMPH Student Poster Showcase, or a screening of The Raising of America.

The Idaho Public Health Association will host a PHED (Public Health Education and Development) talk, a TED Talk-inspired event. The PHED talk, to be held April 5 at Boise State University, will feature public health professionals speaking on activities and the public health landscape in Idaho.

Washington State Public Health Association celebrates National Public Health Week by recognizing Health Champions — individuals, organizations, and coalitions demonstrating excellence in their efforts to improve and protect the public’s health in our state. WSPHA will announce award recipients during each day of public health week. In recognition of National Public Health Week Student Day, they have also added the award category for outstanding student.

The Montana Public Health Association invites all Montanans to show support for public health and to help motivate and inspire Montanans to take action to improve their health and the health of those around them. Register yourself or your organization as an National Public Health Week partner.

Even if you can’t attend an event via one of the associations above, you can join the conversation. Check out daily NPHW Facts for the Week and share with your own networks. Here are some topics to get started:

• Build a nation of safe, healthy communities
• Help all young people graduate from high school
• The relationship between increased economic mobility and better health
• Social justice and health
• Give everyone a choice of healthy food
• Preparing for the health effects of climate change
• Provide quality health care for everyone
• Strengthen public health infrastructure and capacity

You can also join the American Public Health Association during its sixth annual National Public Health Week Twitter Chat on April 6, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. PT. Follow @NPHW on Twitter and use the hashtag #NPHWchat to join the conversation on creating a healthier nation by 2030.