WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) have introduced resolutions in Congress to recognize this week, April 6th through 12th, as National Public Health Week.
Since 1995, public health organizations have used National Public Health Week to educate the public, policymakers, and health professionals about issues that are important to improving America's public health. The theme for this year's National Public Health Week is "Healthiest Nation 2030," emphasizing a goal of making America the healthiest nation in one generation. National Public Health Week is organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA).
"Supporting public health is one of the best ways to invest in our economy and the future of our families,"
Udall said.
"National Public Health Week recognizes that by promoting healthy living and focusing on disease prevention rather than treatment, we can save lives and money. All of us can take steps to improve our health, from stopping smoking to eating well and exercising regularly. Together, we can make the United States the healthiest nation in one generation."
"National Public Health Week offers a reminder to all of our nation's families that the choices we make in our daily lives have a direct impact on how long and how well we live,"
said Roybal-Allard,
the co-founder of the Congressional Study Group on Public Health, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and a 2009 recipient of the APHA's Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award. "Our behavioral choices, our environment, and our social circumstances all have major impacts on our quality of life. As we observe National Public Health Week, I urge everyone to learn more about the small, yet important, changes that we can make to limit our chances of developing chronic diseases. We can resolve to eat better, exercise more, drink less alcohol, and stop smoking. We can also push for increased public health spending, because we know that education and prevention spending can save lives. Each and every one of us has an important role to play in building a healthier future for all Americans."
"We're grateful to Rep. Roybal-Allard, Sen. Udall and the other cosponsors of the House and Senate National Public Health Week resolutions for showing their strong support for public health and recognizing our efforts to improve the health status of all Americans and create the healthiest nation in one generation,"
APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD, said.
"National Public Health Week brings together communities across the country to demonstrate the considerable impact public health programs and services have on protecting and improving our nation's health and well-being."
