From Staff Reports
JEFFERSON COUNTY – Jefferson County Health Officer Mark Wilson, M.D., will present the annual address on the health of Jefferson County this morning at 10:00 a.m. The presentation will take place at the UAB Hill Student Center (2nd floor Ballroom D), 1400 University Blvd. This report is part of the opening ceremony for National Public Health Week, which is celebrated the first full week of April each year. During the opening ceremony, JCDH will honor The Freshwater Land Trust and REV Birmingham with “2016 Public Health Week Community Champion” awards for their remarkable public health contributions to Jefferson County and its’ residents. National Public Health Week is a United States health awareness event backed by the American Public Health Association (APHA). This year’s national theme, “Healthiest Nation 2030” includes a goal of making the U.S. the Healthiest Nation in One Generation – by 2030. Locally, the Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH) is focusing on “Building a Healthier Community” as a part of the overall goal.
“I feel good about the direction we have taken with the Public Health Week, inviting the community to open houses and having a little fun with it, as well as highlighting the good fortune we have to work alongside a variety of great partners to build a healthier community together,” says Dr. Mark Wilson, Jefferson County Health Officer. “Not only is National Public Health Week a time of acknowledging accomplishments over the past year, but it also serves as a time to reflect on the overall direction of public health in our ever changing world.”
After recently being accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), JCDH has reason to celebrate during this year’s National Public Health Week. JCDH is proud to be the first health department in the state of Alabama to receive certified recognition, joining the ranks of the 96 health agencies out of 2,800 to achieve this goal.
The first National Public Health Week took place during 1995 and has seen increasing support over the years. This event aims to highlight public health achievements and also improve the general health of the American people, by educating the public about various health issues and how they can live longer, healthier lives. Through health education, health awareness campaigns can reduce the effects and consequences of many health conditions and diseases by preventing their onset or tackling any symptoms or issues early on.