Contact: Adam Kisiel, Public Affairs Coordinator, Summit County Public Health

SUMMIT COUNTY –The Summit County Board of Commissioners passed a resolution proclaiming April 4-10, 2022 as National Public Health Week in Summit County in recognition of the work public health has done to serve our community, particularly over the past two years. During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health. Whether it is the scientists and researchers who developed life-saving vaccines in record time; or local leaders who have taken evidence-based action to keep their communities safe; or the staff and volunteers who have worked to slow the spread of the virus through testing, case investigation, contact tracing and vaccinating. While defeating the coronavirus has been our top public health priority, our county must also focus on improving our overall health and wellbeing.

“Greater health is good for us all, and will bolster our community’s resilience in the face of new and existing threats,” said Amy Wineland, Summit County Public Health Director.  “We must prioritize and address health disparities and inequities that have been exposed and worsened by COVID-19. We must also address the environmental and climate factors — air and water pollution, extreme weather, and climate-related disaster events — that threaten the public’s health.” 

This year’s theme, “Public Health Is Where You Are,” celebrates what we know to be true, that the places where we are, physically, mentally and societally affect our health and our lives. As we move back toward gathering in person, we’re focusing not just on what we can do as individuals, but what we can do as a community to protect and prioritize the health of everyone.  

As we approach National Public Health Week, we invite our community to start thinking about:

1.            Having support and feeling included within our social communities can have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. This lets us give back to our communities’ health and make it stronger.

2.            While there are public health resources available where we live, some barriers may make it hard for some to get and use them. These could be physical, mental, financial, cultural and language barriers.

3.            Some communities have had a harder time than others. It is important to listen to communities of color, the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities. This way we can make sure public health is fair for all.

“I ask every community member to observe National Public Health Week by remembering all those who give their time, expertise, and care in service of a healthier, safer, and stronger community for all of us,” added Wineland.  

“We must now work together to improve housing, education, food, transportation and the environment to support a more resilient, equitable, safe, healthy and just place.” 

For more information on National Public Health Week including more information on daily themes visit: https://nphw.org/

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