MONROE  — Each year, the first full week of April is recognized as National Public Health Week, an annual week of recognition hosted by the American Public Health Association for more than 25 years. This week is a time to acknowledge the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.

Public health organizations exist on global, national, state, and local levels — all working to prevent disease and promote and protect health. The impacts of public health are countless; examples include the creation of sewage systems, personal hygiene education, seat belts, vaccines, health screenings, water testing, and so many others. During National Public Health Week, we encourage community members to slow down and look around to see the impacts of public health all around Green County.

“In public health, we work to prevent problems and keep people out of hospitals. So, when public health is working, it often goes unnoticed. This week is a time to recognize and celebrate the significant work of public health, as it is a critical function in our society,” said RoAnn Warden, Public Health Officer/Director. 

Green County Public Health (GCPH) offers a variety of programs and services to community members. Its staff includes Public Health Nurses, an Environmental Health Specialist, a Health Educator, a Dietician, Fiscal Specialist, and a Program Assistant.  They offer services ranging from immunizations to breastfeeding support, to radon test kits, and everything in between. To learn more about the full range of services they offer and the responsibilities of the department, visit gcpublichealth.org, or “Like” them on Facebook. 

In addition to these services, the department is dedicated to improving the conditions in which people live, work, and play that impact their health. These include factors like housing, water quality, violence prevention, health literacy, community connectedness, and many others. The department is involved in several coalitions and workgroups, working with others in the community to address these conditions. By working together, they’re able to make a more significant impact on the community. 

Public health is a team sport, and this week, Green County Public Health would like to recognize the other organizations in Green County working to improve the health of the community. The department is not the only organization doing public health work. 

“The efforts of these organizations do not go unnoticed, and the department has been fortunate to work alongside so many dedicated and wonderful groups,” Warden said in an April 7 press release. “Thank you to everyone who has worked to positively impact the health of Green County.”

To learn more about National Public Health Week, visit the National Public Health Week website, https://nphw.org/.