National Public Health Week 2022
Happy April! During the first week of this month, we celebrate National Public Health Week.
The Public Health field aims to aid and prolong life through prevention and assistance. Public Health professionals work endlessly to prevent health problems through the implementation of educational programs, suggesting policy change, providing services/resources, and researching further into health issues and their root causes. These programs and resources created by professionals promote more than just healthcare, they encourage healthcare equity, quality, and accessibility.
Let’s discuss this year’s National Public Health theme, daily themes, and their importance!
This year’s theme for National Public Health Week 2022 is “Public Health is Where You Are”, putting an emphasis on how Public Health impacts everyone, everywhere.
Here are the daily themes for NPHW 2022:
Racism: A Public Health Crisis (Monday)-
The National Public Health Association explains how inequities in healthcare, income, housing, education, and other factors are heavily driven by racism embedded in our systems, institutions, and policies. Institutionalized racism and the unequal treatment of people of color have resulted in a lack of access to proper healthcare, increased illnesses, and premature death.
Racism is a major Public Health crisis. Take action by encouraging voting rights and proper health legislation. Do your research and advocate for leaders and policies that promote racial equity and assistance to those who have been a victim of institutionalized racism.
Public Health Workforce: Essential to Our Future (Tuesday)-
Public Health has always been a vital part of healthcare; however, the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the immediate need for Public Health workers, especially workers that represent diverse communities. There is an underwhelming amount of diverse health workers, and research has shown the small population of these workers receives less wages compared to white Public Health workers. Additionally, employees are experiencing burnout and mental health challenges following their work due to a lack of support in their field.
The APHA suggested supporting loan repayment programs for those who work in the Public Health field, as well as encouraging an increase in funding for their work projects. Advocate for lawmakers who aim to support Public Health efforts!
Community: Collaboration and Resilience (Wednesday)-
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities have experienced more social isolation than ever. This has led to increased rates of lack of support and mental health illnesses, especially in marginalized communities. This daily theme stresses the importance of working with ALL communities in bouncing back from the pandemic.
Take the time to inform yourself about communities in need of help. You can start by donating healthy canned food options or volunteering in other communities.
World Health Day: Health is a Human Right (Thursday)-
Half of the world’s population does not have access to basic health services, such as doctor visits or vaccinations. Research has shown that these disparities in healthcare are closely related to poverty. Due to their lack of financial assistance, people below the poverty line are forced to ignore their health issues. Health is a human right; we all deserve the care necessary to keep us healthy and well.
Again, contact your local legislation to take a stand. Encourage laws that allow better healthcare access for all communities. You can even organize events to support the right to healthcare.
Accessibility: Closing the Health Equity Gap (Friday)-
This daily theme is closely linked to the following theme- health is a human right and all communities should have equal access to care. It is important for people to educate themselves on the magnitude of healthcare differences between racial groups. For example, 26% of the United States population is living with a disability- and a shocking majority of them belong to tribal communities. Unfortunately, 28 million Americans went without any form of healthcare in 2020.
Climate Change: Taking Action for Equity (Saturday)-
Climate change is a significant Public Health crisis. As the global temperature rises, community health is put at a greater risk. Increased temperatures lead to heatstroke, cardiovascular issues, and more. Additionally, heat and precipitation, encourage more disease-carrying insects to populate, directly harming community health. There are many aspects of climate change that pose an immediate threat to human health, like clean air, drinking water, and shelter. Learn more about this issue and what you can do to help here: https://www.who.int/health-topics/climate-change#tab=tab_1
Mental Wellness: Redefining the Meaning of Health (Sunday)-
Mental health is an essential part of Public Health wellness. It encompasses the emotional, psychological, and social well-being aspects of life. Mental health illness is one of the most common health problems in the United States. Research has found that nearly 1 in 5 U.S. adults lives with a mental health condition.
It is vital to advocate for those living with mental health challenges. Encourage Congress to create useful mental health services and resources for people struggling. Get involved in preventative measures, like Project 2025, an initiative to decrease the rate of suicide by 2025. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, contact a helpline today at 1-800-950-6264.
Take action and support local Public Health efforts in your area! Visit https://nphw.org/Themes-and-Facts to learn more about National Public Health Week and what you can do to help!
Related links:
https://nphw.org/Themes-and-Facts
