Being a long-time public health professional, I love it when April rolls around and the spotlight is put on public health during National Public Health Week (NPHW). Until something like a global pandemic happens, public health work and those doing it are more “behind the scenes” with many quietly doing their jobs without a lot of fanfare…………until they aren’t. I believe most of us have seen in this ongoing pandemic the value of public health and the everyday heroes who have been thrust in the spotlight during this crisis. I hope that Unconditionally Her! readers will take an opportunity to learn more about public health as we move into 2021 National Public Health Week.
Every year during the first full week of April, the American Public Health Association (APHA) brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health. Each year, the Association develops a national campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners about issues related to each year’s theme. This year’s observance kicks off April 5th and goes through April 11th.
No matter who you are or what your profession, take a few moments to learn more about something that impacts us all – health. And not just our own health, but that of all of us collectively – which is the essence of public health. When we look out for one another, we are also looking out for ourselves.
Themes for this year’s observance include:
Monday: Rebuilding
Tuesday: Advancing Racial Equity
Wednesday: Strengthening Community
Thursday: Galvanizing Climate Justice
Friday: Constructing COVID-19 Resilience
Saturday: Uplifting Mental Health and Wellness
Sunday: Elevating the Essential Health Workforce
Take a look at one of the great topics, whichever one gets your attention, and learn more.
We’re all in this together!
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