Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) joins public health agencies across America in recognizing April 2-8 as National Public Health Week (NPHW). NPHW is an annual event that calls attention to public health initiatives, promotes prevention, and inspires healthy living. This year’s theme is “Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing Our Future Together.”
“Celebrating public health reminds our residents of available programs and resources, and is an opportunity to thank our dedicated public health professionals in the community,” said Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer for OCHD.
With over 40 programs and services, the Health Division focuses on preventing the spread of disease; ensuring a safe and clean environment; promoting and encouraging healthy behaviors; preparing for emergencies; surveillance of disease threats; and ensuring accessibility of health services. OCHD programs benefit every Oakland County resident, as well as countless visitors. ?
Creating an environment for everyone to access available services and resources is a top priority for the Health Division. OCHD is focused on making healthy choices easier and more accessible to everyone.
OCHD partners with various organizations across the county to impact the health of Oakland County residents. For instance:
• Healthy Pontiac, We Can! (HPWC) is a group with members from local hospitals, mental health agencies, human service agencies, schools, churches, government agencies, and the Pontiac community who work together to improve the quality of life for Pontiac residents. HPWC works on projects such as an in-store guide to healthy eating, called Healthy Bites and improvements to local parks and trails to make them more appealing and safer for residents to be active.
• Homeless Healthcare Collaborative’s vision is to improve the health and well-being of persons experiencing homelessness in Oakland County by connecting community and health care organizations to coordinate resources. Over 125 representatives from 70 different human service providers, housing agencies, mental health care providers, health care providers, and hospitals have attended the meetings.
• Healthy Oakland Partnership (HOP) works with interested Oakland County farmers markets to increase acceptance of food assistance programs including SNAP and WIC benefits and also with schools to implement smarter lunchroom strategies, which increases healthy eating by students.
To learn more about these initiatives and collaborations that are making Oakland County a healthier place to live, work and play, visit www.oakgov.com/health. For up-to-date public health information, follow @publichealthOC on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Nurse on Call is also available at 800-848-5533.
Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week, communities across the United States have observed National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation. National Public Health Week 2017 runs April 2-8. For additional information, visit www.nphw.org.
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