HCPH recognizes the vital work of public health professionals and departments around the country.
Houston – National Public Health Week (NPHW) is an annual celebration that takes place the first week of April. It is celebrated around the country and recognizes public health workers, programs, departments, and the impacts they have in each community.
This year, we invite Harris County community members to celebrate with Harris County Public Health (HCPH) and take part in the 2024 NPHW theme of “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving. We Are All Public Health”. Every community member plays a role in the health and well-being of our community.
From eating properly, staying up to date with vaccinations, taking care of your environment, and reporting notable public health concerns. HCPH also offers services and programs that improve the well-being of community members, promote and establish equitable health opportunities, and improve access for our most vulnerable populations.
Public health professionals prevent problems from happening or recurring by implementing educational programs, data-driven policy recommendations, administering health services, and conducting research to protect community members better. Public health also works to limit health disparities. A large part of public health is promoting healthcare equity, quality, and accessibility.
From April 1-7, HCPH will share resources that align with the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) NPHW calendar, which can be found below:
- Monday: Civic Engagement– Voting and other forms of civic engagement shape our community and how it allocates resources to support our opportunity for healthy lives.
- Tuesday: Health Neighborhoods– Join in promoting healthy neighborhoods with safe places to live, be active, access fresh, nutritious food, and provide everyone with the opportunity for healthy lives.
- Wednesday: Climate Change– By buying less, supporting green spaces, and transitioning to renewable energy, we can lessen the health impacts of climate change.
- Thursday: New Tools and Innovations – Stay updated with modern health apps and take advantage of smartwatches, telehealth, and other innovations to improve your well-being.
- Friday: Reproductive and Sexual Health– Let’s make reproductive care and screening for cancers and STIs common and accessible to all. #PreventTheSpread
- Saturday: Emergency Preparedness – Emergency preparedness can protect you and your loved ones. Have a plan & emergency supplies and practice what to do.
- Sunday: Future of Public Health– Public health’s future is all about teaming up with others to end racism, improve health equity, and advocate for community well-being.
As we celebrate NPHW, we reiterate Harris County Public Health’s commitment to public health and encourage our residents to help us make our communities healthier, safer, and stronger by supporting and staying engaged with one another.