Fraters Observe National Public Health Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As part of the weeklong observance, themed "Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation's Vulnerable Populations," communities across the nation will explore ways to connect vulnerable populations, including mothers with young children, hourly-wage workers and people with chronic illnesses such as diabetes and asthma, with resources to help them prepare for health emergencies. Despite growing threats and a host of awareness campaigns, Americans remain largely unprepared for public health emergencies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and other recent events. A September 2006 poll conducted by Marist College Institute for Public Opinion noted that only 31 percent of Americans have any emergency plans in place.

During the twelfth annual event, APHA will reach out to policy-makers, public health officials and partner groups across the country to empower them to share tools and resources that will enable residents to overcome barriers to create preparedness plans. The week will focus on five core audiences who are vulnerable to health dangers: mothers with young children; local food banks; hourly workers and employees; schools serving children in kindergarten through 12th grade; and individuals with chronic health needs, such as diabetes, asthma, cancer and high blood pressure.

Last year's National Public Health Week focused on ways that Americans can build healthier communities and address health threats associated with built environments, including air pollution and neighborhood design. More information on National Public Health Week 2007 may be found at www.nphw.org.

In 1995, former President William Jefferson Clinton proclaimed the first full week of April as National Public Health Week (NPHW). Each year since then, the public health community has celebrated this observance by focusing on an issue that is important to improving the public's health.

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