Latest news with #NationalPublicHealthWeek
Yahoo
19-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Westfield Health Bulletin: National Public Health Week gave us the opportunity to reflect
This year's 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week wraps up today. It gives organizations the opportunity to look at the progress we have made over three decades as well as chart a path forward during these uncertain times. Similar to New Year's resolutions, it is a time to look at lessons learned and face emerging challenges. National Public Health Week was first recognized in 1995. Its mission is to bring together federal, state and local public health agencies with private organizations and educational institutions to increase understanding of the role of public health in protecting and improving the health of individuals and communities. The first year theme was 'Public Health Is You, Too.' Activities were available through out the week focusing on each persons role in protecting their own health, their family and their community. The next era of public health will focus on road blocks of climate change and misinformation with science, collaboration, communication and advocacy to build health resilient communities. Thirty years later, the American Public Health Association is stepping forward with a theme similar to 1995. Public Health is each of us making a difference in our homes and communities. It's about how where we work, live and play affect our well being. Multiple topics were highlighted each day this week: It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission Climate Action Starts Here: Championing Resilience for Health Health Equity Stats Here: Optimizing Health for All Advocacy Starts Here: Amplifying Voices for Public Health The Future of Public Health Starts Here: Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Each area is explained with suggestions for individuals, city/state and national levels. More information is available at The site also has facts, ways to get involved, tools and tips, and events. The American Public Health Association with other organizations is responsible for the education and activities of NPHW. Interestingly, APHA, founded in 1872, is the oldest and largest professional health association in the United States. APHA advocates for the health of communities, strengthens public health professions and drives science-based public health policies. They publish the American Journal of Public Health. Their message this year includes suggestions to volunteer for local organizations and participate in community events, walks and fundraisers for health related programs. Get to know your neighbors — strong neighborhoods lead to stronger communities. Support local farms and farmers' markets. Use and support local parks, green spaces and community gathering areas. Stay informed about our climate by a free online training provided called Climate for Health Ambassadors Training. Connect with your local and state public health and support policies for health, speak up for health, support leaders that advance health for all. Urge your members of Congress to prioritize public health funding. Support programs to mentor the next generation and teach them the impact of public health work. Annually, National Public Health Week hopes to unite communities, recognize health contributions and address key health issues with the motto, we are all stronger and healthier together. Public health is 'an invisible force that protects our safety and well being.' Take care of yourself and someone else. Juanita Carnes is a nurse practitioner with 39 years of experience in a hospital emergency department and urgent care facilities. She served 30 years on the Board of Health in Westfield, Massachusetts.

Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
"Exquisite Moments of Sorrow and Grace" Debuts for National Public Health Week
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK / ACCESS Newswire / April 11, 2025 / Not only is Kenneth R. Weinberg, M.D. a veteran emergency medicine, urgent care physician and registered New York State medical cannabis practitioner. He is also a prolific writer, who in his newly released book, Exquisite Moments of Sorrow and Grace, delivers the dramatic episodes and healing power amassed over the course of forty years in Cover In his foreword to the book, Professor of Emergency Medicine at New York University School of Medicine Lewis R. Goldfrank, MD, writes: 'Weinberg has studied the human experience in the emergency department. His writing captures the workers - nurses, emergency medicine technicians, physician's assistants and physicians - in pleasure, doubt, and mostly emphasizes collaboration. Anyone who has worked in an ED will see the characters in the book as real partners in care. This fascinating collection captures the language, meaning, and atmosphere of the emergency department.' Exquisite Moments of Sorrow and Grace is both a collection of 40 compelling stories, and a call to action in honor of World Health Day and National Public Health Week. Weinberg says, 'It's the lovely spring season, and as we mark the milestones, let's try to regain our physical, mental, and moral health. It's time for every individual to improve the path forward where our human stories connect with science, collaboration, and communication to build healthier, more resilient communities.' The book has received early acclaim by other health care professionals, scientists, therapists, and wellness experts. 'Reading these stories brought me right back to Bellevue's ER, the feelings and the sounds, the sights and smells. Weinberg has a gift for weaving a tapestry of patient tales while pulling on our heartstrings,' said Julie Holland, MD, and author of Weekends at Bellevue, Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER (Random House). The book is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and numerous indie bookstores. For speaking engagements and media, contact Kenneth R. Weiberg, MD at [email protected]. SOURCE: Kenneth R. Weinberg, MD PC press release
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
North Carolina reports highest number of flu deaths since 2009
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCT) — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services reported more than 500 flu-related deaths for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season. This is the highest number of statewide flu deaths since reporting began in 2009. 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life this respiratory virus season,' NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said. 'These numbers would be even higher without the dedication of the NCDHHS Division of Public Health and local health department teams who provide flu education, distribute vaccines, and support treatment and prevention efforts in all 100 counties. Their work saves lives every single day.' Public health workers are monitoring outbreaks and conducting disease surveillance year-round to make sure that people have access to vaccines and provide guidance to partners across the state. This news happens to fall on National Public Health Week, Apr. 7-13, 2025, which is a time to honor thousands of public health professionals who serve North Carolina in tracking infectious diseases, provide life-saving care, ensure clean drinking water, support maternal and child health, and that public health is a foundation of thriving communities. Recent federal funding cuts have resulted in abrupt termination of several federal grants that caused a loss of more than 80 jobs and at least $100 million for the department with more than $230 million in funding at risk. Here are some of the critical public health work that is halted or reduced because of these federal cuts: Completion of the State Laboratory of Public Health expansion that would better prepare North Carolina for outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics. Loss of the corrections response team that provided consultation to prisons and jails regarding communicable diseases. Loss of staff who answer the 24/7 Epidemiologist On-Call line, staff who work on communicable disease reporting and staff working on measles education for the public and providers. Support for the NC DETECT early warning system for emerging medical trends. Electronic reporting of lab results to allow for more rapid response and prevention of spread. Community Health Worker outreach in areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene. NC Quitline cessation services are now limited. Mobile immunization and vaccine outreach through Federally Qualified Health Centers. Partnerships with Tribal Communities that contribute to the health and safety of Tribal members. According to a recent survey, more than 80 percent of North Carolinians trust the NCDHHS and their local health departments to support their wellbeing. 'This trust is a clear signal that public health is more important than ever,' Interim State Health Director and NCDHHS Chief Medical Officer. 'I'm incredibly proud of the dedication and impact of our public health teams across the state. Now is the time to match that trust with stable, long-term investment in our public health workforce and infrastructure so we can continue to protect our communities for years to come.'For more information on the critical work of public health, visit the NCDHHS Division of Public Health webpage. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Children's of Mississippi applies for Magnet designation
JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Children's of Mississippi has applied for Magnet designation with the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Only about 10%, or 612 hospitals, in the United States have achieved Magnet designation. According to officials, hospitals that have achieved Magnet status have higher rates of job satisfaction and patient safety. As part of the interdisciplinary Magnet process, officials said Children's of Mississippi has implemented a robust interprofessional governance model, increased the number of baccalaureate-educated nurses, increased the number of certified nurses and increased clinician involvement in clinical practice, research and publication. MSDH celebrates 2025 National Public Health Week Criteria for Magnet designation includes quality of care, effective leadership, a supportive work environment, innovation, evidence-based practice, professional development and high levels of patient satisfaction. Ellen Hansen, Children's of Mississippi chief nursing and chief operations officer, said gaining the designation is a benefit to clinicians as well as patients. 'Magnet provides international recognition of the high caliber of our clinical staff,' she said. 'Thirty-plus years of rigorous research have produced numerous articles on the superior outcomes of Magnet designated organizations.' These include: Higher job satisfaction Higher likelihood to communicate errors and participate in error-related problem solving, contributing to improved patient safety Higher adoption of National Quality Forum safe practices Fewer adverse events Lower rate of occupational injuries Lower rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, pressure injuries and patient falls Higher patient satisfaction Among the nation's children's hospitals with Magnet designation are Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Texas Children's in Houston and Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
WHO launches campaign to promote maternal and newborn health
This week is National Public Health Week and the WHO is launching a new year-long campaign to promote maternal and newborn health. Dr. Maria Van Kerkhove joins Morning Joe to discuss.