Celebrating Olmsted County’s community and culture during National Public Health Week

Olmsted County Public Health Services (OCPHS) recognizes National Public Health Week, April 3-9, 2023, focusing on community and cultural connections.

This year's National Public Health Week theme is "Centering and celebrating culture in health."

"With this year's theme, we are recognizing the importance of cultural diversity in shaping public health," said OCPHS Director Denise Daniels. "Being part of our community fosters cultural connections which supports our health and quality of life."

OCPHS wants everyone to know they can make their communities healthier, safer, and stronger when we support and stay engaged with one another. This week, the department is highlighting what Olmsted County can do as a community to protect, prioritize, and influence the future of public health.

"This National Public Health Week, we look at how our cultural connection affects our health, well-being, and the public health system that cares for us," said Olmsted County Board of Commissioners Chair Gregg Wright.

Public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from various health threats. These include disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic and measles, natural disasters, and disasters caused by human activity.

With scientific and technological advances, public health actions significantly reduce and, in some cases, eliminate the spread of infectious diseases. Public health also plays a role in establishing today's disease surveillance and control systems.

OCPHS employees implement programs for preventable risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use – as these are leading causes of chronic disease.