Olmsted County recognizes public health week
Each year, the critical work of public health is recognized during National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA). National Public Health Week provides opportunities for residents across the country to learn more about the many contributions made by public health professionals nationally and here in Olmsted County. This year's theme is, "Public health is where you are."
Public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from a full range of health threats. These include disease outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, measles, natural disasters, and disasters caused by human activity.
Together with scientific and technological advances, public health actions play a significant role in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating the spread of infectious diseases. Public health also plays a role in establishing today's disease surveillance and control systems.
Olmsted County's Public Health 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.
"There are many individuals in our community working very diligently behind the scenes to keep us healthy," said Olmsted County Board Chair Mark Thein. "My thanks to all our county’s Public Health employees for all they do to improve our county's health."
Public health employees have focused on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout the past two years. This response effort has been challenging for all communities and has further illuminated and exacerbated racial inequities nationally and locally. During this time Olmsted County has also been leading an effort to investigate and recommend actions to address racism as a public health issue. Final recommendations to the board of commissioners from two Olmsted County advisory groups are expected later this year.
"National Public Health Week is a great time to reflect on the many public health advancements that have been made over time to improve the health and overall quality of life for people," said recently named Olmsted County Public Health Services Director Denise Daniels. "It is also a reminder that work needs to continue to find ways to achieve equity in health for all people in our communities."
"National Public Health Week is an important time to honor our Public Health staff and public health systems," said Olmsted County Public Health Services Associate Director Michael Melius. "For the past few years, COVID-19 quickly demanded we focus like a laser on pandemic response activities in partnership with our overall health system partners. We honor our Public Health workforce's incredible service to our communities."
In addition to honoring public health employees, Olmsted County residents can take part in the following local efforts:
- Provide input on race and racism as a public health issue initiative.
- Serve on the Public Health Services Advisory Board or attend public meetings.
- Learn about the highest health needs in Olmsted County through the Community Health Assessment and Planning (CHAP).
- Join our Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP) initiatives.
###
Media Contact: Emma Diercks, Communications Specialist, 507-238-6166