NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK: APRIL 6TH – 12th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

CONTACT:  Jennifer Johnson 

(410) 219-3947 (Office)

(410) 251-5379 (Cell)

NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK: APRIL 6TH – 12th

 (April 3, 2020, Salisbury, MD) This year marks the 25th anniversary of National Public Health Week, held annually the first week in April to educate the community, partners and policymakers about public health issues and to raise awareness about public health and prevention.

                The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in the cancellation of celebration and recognition events nationwide including here in Wicomico County, but brings home the important role public health plays in our daily lives and in health emergencies. From standard needs such as septic permits and restaurant inspections, immunizations and health exams and educational programs and presentations to emergency needs such as weather-related survival tips, being a key partner in community planning for emergencies and serving as a distributor of critical items to healthcare providers during emergencies, public health is there.

                This year’s daily themes are important to know about anytime; for special COVID-19 information about each theme, visit www.nphw.org/nphw-2020/covid-19. The themes are:

  • MONDAY: MENTAL HEALTH — advocate for and promote emotional well-being
  • TUESDAY: MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH — ensure the health of mothers and babies throughout the lifespan
  • WEDNESDAY: VIOLENCE PREVENTION — reduce personal and community violence to improve health
  • THURSDAY: ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH — help protect and maintain a healthy planet
  • FRIDAY: EDUCATION — advocate for quality education and schools
  • SATURDAY: HEALTHY HOMES — ensure access to affordable and safe housing
  • SUNDAY: ECONOMICS — advocate for economic empowerment as the key to a healthy life

PUBLIC HEALTH SPOTLIGHT – COVID-19 RESPONSE

The health department’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates the importance of public health in the community. During emergencies, the health department activates the Incident Command System (ICS), an emergency management system that coordinates response activities by multiple agencies (both governmental and non-governmental). Since activating ICS, the health department has worked tirelessly with local partners like Peninsula Regional Medical Center and the Wicomico County Department of Emergency Services to distribute supplies, provide education and reassure the public. Answering over 550 calls from the COVID-19 Call Center, distributing gloves and masks to local healthcare facilities in need, and contact tracing for confirmed cases are just a few of the public health activities that help protect the Wicomico County community. Even in emergencies, public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, work, and play.

For more information about National Public Health Week, public health or any of the themes, visit www.nphw.org. For information about the Wicomico County Health Department’s programs and services, visit www.wicomicohealth.org. Wicomico Health will be making social media posts about the daily themes during the week; search @wicomicohealth on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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