Staff members of the Chenango County Health Department. This week is National Public Health Week, and the daily themes include community, violence prevention, reproductive and sexual health, mental health, rural health, accessibility, and food and nutrition. (Submitted photo)

CHENANGO COUNTY — Chenango County Department of Public Health is joining other public health agencies in observing National Public Health Week from April 3 through 9 as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our community.

The first National Public Health Week took place in April 1955 and was organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA). Each year, National Public Health Week helps to educate communities and raise awareness about the important preventive role that public health departments play in keeping residents informed about public health issues. It also serves to highlight critical issues to help people lead healthier and happier lives.

National Public Health Week 2023 Daily Themes and Descriptions:

Monday: Community

Whether virtual, physical, or both, connection with community is vital to living your healthiest life. We must work together to ensure all communities have access and connections to affordable housing, education, food, and transportation. 

Tuesday: Violence Prevention

Violence is an ongoing public health threat because it creates more obstacles to living a healthy life. When we understand the causes of violence in our communities, it gives us a better chance at creating effective prevention strategies.

Wednesday: Reproductive and Sexual Health

We can work together and make sure everyone has the right and ability to access safe, affordable, and individual care when making reproductive and sexual health decisions. 

Thursday: Mental Health

Each year, one in five Americans will experience mental illness. Mental health is also a public health issue. Prevention, early detection, and treatment of mental health conditions can lead to improved physical and community health. 

Friday: Rural Health

Rural communities are some of the most vulnerable populations to public health threats. We can work toward a more robust, inclusive public health system that ensures everyone is reached.


Saturday: AccessibilityWe can close the health equity gap by reducing health disparities in health insurance, increasing physical accessibility to care, improving availability of appropriate care, and building more inclusive public health programs and communities. 

Sunday: Food and Nutrition

Access to fresh, quality, and nutritious food is the foundation to living a healthy life. We can work together to make sure our communities have that access and advocate for those communities who don’t.

For more information visit nphw.org/Themes-and-Facts.

For more information about the local health department visit www.co.chenango.ny.us/public-health/.

-Information provided by the Chenango Health Department