National Public Health Week Starts

National Public Health Week History

National Public Health Week aims to recognize the contributions of public health and highlighting issues critical to improving the nation's health. Designed to inspire a new generation of health leaders, its purpose is to communicate the role of public health in ensuring a happy, safe, and healthy life for people in the United States. National Public Health Week aims at fostering deeper understanding and discussions around the powerful influence of preventive medicine, healthy behaviors, and policy changes.

Initially established by the American Public Health Association (APHA) in the mid-1990s, National Public Health Week has grown to become a nationwide event. Over the years, it has served as a platform to address crucial issues such as tobacco control, vaccination awareness, and violence prevention, promoting a robust dialogue around these topics and strategic ways to combat them. It demonstrates the fundamental role of public health initiatives and advocacy in improving and safeguarding community health.

National Public Health Week consists of key activities and events, such as Healthiest Nation 2030, a nationwide endeavor to make America the healthiest nation in one generation. Through the amplification of public health knowledge and the sharing of resources and practices, the main aim is to build momentum to address the root causes of poor health and disease risk among individuals and within our communities. The annual national observance usually takes place during the first full week of April.

Facts about National Public Health Week

• According to the WHO, in 2024, there are more than 1 billion people with obesity around the world. 650 million adults, 340 million adolescents and 39 million children.
  According to Trust for America’s Health, in 2022, there are 19 states with adult obesity rates over 35% and 22 states with adult obesity rates between 30-35%.
• According to americashealthrankings.org Utah was ranked as the healthiest state, followed by Colorado and Vermont.
  Mississippi was the least healthy state in 2024, followed by Louisiana, West Virginia, and Kentucky.
• Throughout NPHW, APHA organizes events and activities across the country to inform the public about the role of public health in their everyday lives, including town hall meetings, community gatherings, and free health screenings.
• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction, excluding tobacco.

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