State, local and federal health officials from across the county unite this week to celebrate National Public Health Week, an annual health observance aimed at educating the public, policy-makers and the public health community about critical public health challenges facing the nation.

Through the theme “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement,” this year’s campaign focuses on disease prevention and health promotion. The National Prevention Strategy, the first-ever comprehensive plan developed by a wide array of federal agencies and national experts to improve the health of all Americans across the lifespan, also serves as a centerpiece for this year’s campaign.

“With nearly 1 million Americans dying every year from diseases that could be prevented, even small preventive changes and community initiatives can make a big difference in living healthier lives,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “This week, as public health takes center stage, we celebrate the extraordinary achievements of the public health community and recognize that each and every one of us has a role to play in improving the health of ourselves, our families and our communities.”

For more than 15 years, the American Public Health Association has hosted National Public Health Week. NPHW events are occurring in communities around the nation. Check out our calendar to see if there is an event being held in your area. Here’s a quick look at just a few taking place this week.

  • LIVE Twitter chat today at 1 p.m. ET via #NPHWchat. Chat with APHA’s Georges Benjamin about the National Prevention Strategy, a major theme of this year’s NPHW
  • Panel discussion on the impact of alcohol use and injuries and violence at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health on Tuesday, April 3
  • Walk with U.S. Surgeon General and APHA Leaders for NPHW on Wednesday, April 4, at the Colorado Center for Health and Wellness
  • NPHW forum to address the correlation of mental health, equity and substance abuse at Morgan State University on Friday, April 6.
Bookmark and Share