MONROE — Monday, April 3, marked the beginning of National Public Health Week, an annual week of recognition hosted by the American Public Health Association for more than 25 years. This week is recognized as 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, Green County Public Health (GCPH) encourages 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.  

GCPH offers a variety of programs and services to community members. Their staff includes public health nurses, an environmental health specialist, a health educator, a dietician, a fiscal clerk, and a public health technician who is also a Spanish interpreter. 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 GCPH offers and the responsibilities of the department, visit their website at gcpublichealth.org, and “Like” them on Facebook.  

In addition to these services, the department is dedicated to improving the conditions that people live, work and play in that impact people’s health. These include factors like housing, water quality, violence prevention, health literacy, community connectedness and so many others. GCPH is involved in several coalitions and work groups, working with others in the community to address these community conditions. Green County is currently ranked 23rd in the state of Wisconsin in the County Health Rankings & Roadmaps ranking system. This organization ranks counties in every state in the U.S. based on the social factors that influence health and health outcomes. Community members can learn more at: countyhealthrankings.org.  

During National Public Health Week, GCPH recognized 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.  

To learn more, visit the National Public Health Week website.