National Public Heath Week is April 6-12, 2015: Pacific Northwest Region Focus

Posted by Emily Glenn on April 2nd, 2015 Posted in: Public Health

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During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week by recognizing the contributions of public health professionals and organizations and highlighting issues that are important to improving the health of our nation.  Today’s post includes recognition for efforts and successes in the Pacific Northwest Region states, plus a sampling of events. Join an event or pledge to support public health in your community by focusing on themes presented in our earlier post, National Public Heath Week is April 6-12, 2015: National Themes.

Alaska

• Throughout the month of April, the 2015 Spring Healthy Futures Challenge is in full swing. This challenge is part of Alaska’s Play Every Day campaign, which focuses on physical activity, food and drink choices, and healthy futures.
• The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services’ Vimeo channel includes several short videos on the Safe Surrender law, fall risks, foster care, profiles of public health volunteers and more.

Idaho

• A forum discussion, The Role of Public Health in the Idaho State Health Innovation Plan (SHIP) will be held in Boise on Wednesday, April 8.
• The Idaho Public Health Gem Award will be presented by the Idaho Public Health Association during National Public Health Week 2015. The award recognizes an organization or group that has worked to promote public health and health in Idaho as part of National Public Health Week.
• Idaho’s The Naked Truth campaign is highlighted during STD Awareness Month in April.
• Public Health Week activities in Northern Idaho include smoking cessation day, walking day, disaster preparedness for kids, health demonstration and a suicide awareness presentation.

Montana

• The Montana Public Health Association recently recognized and celebrated individuals in the state for work they are doing to advance the public’s health.
• Also in April, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana and the Center for Mental Health Research and Recovery at MSU present “Serenity in the Storm,” a 10-city Montana tour by award-winning mental health speaker and accomplished country musician Jason DeShaw.

Oregon

• Local leaders will be recognized at the Multnomah County 15th Annual Public Health Heroes Celebration  in Portland on Tuesday, April 7.
• The 2015 OPHA Capitol Visit Day will be Thursday, April 9, in Salem. Participants will learn about public health related bills that the legislature is working on and will have the opportunity to meet with leadership from the Oregon Senate and House and the Governor’s Office.
• A number of Oregon Public Health Week events will take place statewide, including a poster showcase, film screenings, and a photo contest display.

Washington

• Public Health 101 (a course for community members on the basics of public health) will be held in Tacoma on Wednesday, April 8.
• Screenings of The Raising of America, Once Upon A Time will be held at in Spokane on April 8 and in Seattle on April 9.
• The Washington State Public Health Association celebrates National Public Health Week by recognizing Health Champions in the state.