MONROE — Next week, April 4-10, is National Public Health Week, an annual week of recognition hosted by the American Public Health Association for more than 25 years. This year’s theme is “Public Health is Where You Are.”

Public health efforts exist on global, national, state and local levels — all working to prevent disease, and promote and protect health. Public health is in the environment we live in, the places we work, and the policies that impact us. Stop lights, seat belts, vaccines, health screenings, water testing, and supplemental nutrition programs are all examples of public health — and there are so many more. During National Public Health week, we encourage you to slow down, and look around to see the impacts of public health all around you.

“Public health is here to work with the community to prevent the circumstances that lead to poor health. Preventing diseases and injuries is beneficial for everyone, and it has economic benefits. Nationally, for every $1 invested in prevention efforts, the country saves about $5.60,” said RoAnn Warden, Public Health Officer/Director. “I am proud of Green County Public Health staff who continuously work to improve the health of our community. The past two years have been difficult for our community, and for our staff who have worked long hours to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. I look forward to being a part of all of the great work our team will continue to do.”

Green County Public Health offers a variety of services, and is involved in numerous community workgroups and coalitions. GCPH staff includes public health nurses, an environmental health specialist, a health educator, a dietician, fiscal clerk and a receptionist who is also a Spanish interpreter. GCPH offers services ranging from immunizations, to breastfeeding consultation, 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 gcpublichealth.org. GCPH can also be found and “Liked” on Facebook.  

Throughout the week the department will be sharing more information on its Facebook page about the role the important role of public health and current challenges to public health.  

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