National Public Health Week celebrates improvements in public health & raises awareness of the importance of health equity. Read to learn more.
Updated July 19, 2022
National Public Health Week Is April 6-13
National Public Health Week occurs during the first full week of April and recognizes improvements in public health. It also brings attention to important issues that can improve the health of Americans. However, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, public health discussions are now a daily topic.
National Public Health Week 2020 Theme
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Since 1995, the American Public Health Association (APHA) has raised public health and prevention awareness by creating annual education campaigns for the public, lawmakers, and practitioners. Each day of National Public Health Week examines various inequalities, why they persist, and how we can improve equity in public health. This week’s theme is Looking Back, Moving Forward.
- Monday: Mental health
- Tuesday: Maternal and Child Health
- Wednesday: Violence Prevention
- Thursday: Environmental Health
- Friday: Education
- Saturday: Health Housing
- Sunday: Economics
Visit NPHW 2020 to learn more about each topic, as well as how to observe NPHW and COVID-19.
Raising Awareness Of Social Determinants Of Health
When passed in 2010, the Affordable Care Act offered affordability and safeguards for unprotected groups. However, the rollback of many measures has left many Americans without access to convenient and affordable health care. Consequently, their needs hinder efforts to promote the healthiest country in a single generation.
Of course, affordable health insurance isn’t the only thing keeping America from becoming the healthiest nation. So, in addition to examining access to care and the strain of illness, APHA seeks contributions in impartial solutions that support different facets of public health.
Everyone deserves a vibrant and healthy life, and ensuring this means addressing underlying causes of inadequate health and disease. Moreover, the manner and environment we live, work, and play affect these causes. For example:
- A hungry child can’t get the full benefit of an education at school, impacting their path to a healthy and prosperous adulthood.
- A low-income single parent must decide between staying home with a sick child or missing a day’s pay.
- Those living in food deserts lack access to nutritious, affordable meals.
- A student who can’t walk to class since there are no sidewalks.
These issues shape the health, wellness, and quality of life of communities around the country.
National Public Health Week Activities
There are many ways we can improve the lives of many and create a healthier country. Join a growing movement focused on inclusion and equity to guarantee policies include the wellbeing of everyone.
- Research how you can influence local policy and help your community.
- Recognize the influence of prevention.
- Support for healthy and ethical decisions.
- Share approaches for prosperous communities.
- Promote the purpose of a robust public health policy.
Additionally, the APHA Toolkit has everything you need:
MeetCaregivers Supports Health Equity
We want to solve problems facing seniors, families, and caregivers by addressing healthcare inequality and improving access to high-quality care. That means raising awareness about social determinants of health and their impact on seniors, families, caregivers, and the health system at large.
We’re here to help. Call 1 (888) 541-1136 or Find A Caregiver today.
Visit the Blog for more information about caregiving and senior living.
- “About NPHW.” National Public Health Week Looking Back Moving Forward April 6-12, 2020, https://tinyurl.com/turql2n.
- “National Public Health Week 2020.” National Public Health Week Looking Back Moving Forward April 6-12, 2020, https://tinyurl.com/tkxjlmf.
- “National Public Health Week 2020: Public Health Newswire.” National Public Health Week 2020 | Public Health Newswire, https://tinyurl.com/txmljw3.
- “Toolkit.” National Public Health Week Looking Back Moving Forward April 6-12, 2020, https://tinyurl.com/kplebyg.