National Public Health Week
April 5-11, 2010
A Healthier America: One Community at a Time
It’s easy to take public health workers for granted – largely because bad things don’t happen when they do their jobs right. Many of us take for granted that polio is no longer a threat in the Americas, water from a drinking fountain is clean and that lead no longer contaminates our gasoline and paint. Since 1995, the American Public Health Association has reserved one week in April for National Public Health Week to recognize the unsung heroes of public health who advocate life-saving practices ranging from immunizations to helmet safety and everything in between. Dr. Georges Benjamin, M.D., says the association is asking everyone to champion public health by making healthy changes – big and small – in their families, individual neighborhoods, workplaces and schools.
The Colorado Health Foundation joins APHA in saluting the contributions of public health and its workforce here in Colorado and across the state. After all, prevention is the best way to create health and wellness, and the first line of defense against death and disease.
Public Health Man
Cartoonist Ed Stein reveals the superhero lurking under the mild-mannered exterior of every public health worker.
Cartoon Corner: Public Health Man from The Colorado Health Foundation on Vimeo.
Insights on Public Health
In honor of National Public Health Week, Health Relay, the Foundation’s blog, features Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director of the Tri-County Health Department, sharing his thoughts about the role of this important field.
Ten Great Public Health Achievements
Since 1900, the average lifespan of persons in the United States has lengthened by more than 30 years – thanks in large part to significant achievements of the public health sector including vaccinations, fluoridated drinking water and food safety. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report selected the 10 most notable public health achievements based on the opportunity for prevention and the impact on death, illness and disability in the United States. [Learn more]
Our Public Health Partners
Through our grantmaking, the Colorado Health Foundation supports many organizations that promote public health, most notably:
Related Public Health Week Information