Investing in prevention and public health can make an enormous difference. During this week, help raise awareness of the critical role that public health and prevention play in keeping individuals and communities healthy.
For each day of National Public Health Week, the American Public Health Association has developed a theme. DHSS has modified the national themes slightly to fit Missouri. Those themes are listed below, along with things you can do to develop better health habits in your home, workplace and community. To view the national daily activities go to: http://www.nphw.org/tools-and-tips/themes.
Monday, April 6: Raising the Grade. Missouri trails other states in life expectancy and other measures of good health, and this holds true across all ages and income levels. Individuals can take small steps to improve their health and communities can make a big difference by starting the conversation with leaders and community groups to make health the easier, available choice.
Tuesday, April 7: Starting from Zip. Today, your zip code says too much about your health. Across America, there are unacceptable disparities in health by race and ethnic group, state by state and even county by county. The effort to make Missouri a healthier state starts with equity across our communities.
Wednesday, April 8: Building Momentum. Influential leaders, companies and organizations are taking important steps in line with creating a healthier state, just look at recent actions by your local public health department, city/county government and community organizations.
Thursday, April 9: Building Broader Connections. In the work to become a healthier state we can’t do it all on our own. We have to expand our partnerships to collaborate with city planners, education officials, public, private and for-profit organizations, employers – everyone who has an impact on our health.
Friday, April 10: Building on 20 Years of Success. 2015 marks the 20th anniversary of National Public Health Week and the accomplishments of the public health community over the last two decades are significant, such as a 25-year improvement in the average lifespan for Americans and a 70 percent reduction in HIV/AIDS-related deaths. During this week, help raise awareness of the critical role that public health and prevention play in keeping individuals and communities healthy.
For more information, contact Lori Buchanan, Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services,Lori.Buchanan@health.mo.gov or 573-751-6060.
Family Resources and Community Connections 