This year, we observe the 26th anniversary of National Public Health Week. Since its inception as an APHA-led event in 1995, the Association has marked the first week of April as a time celebrate the public health workforce and the important work we do.
Even as they carry out their everyday work, public health professionals raise awareness about key issues affecting the public’s health, and educate policymakers and funders about important issues that need to be addressed.
The overarching theme for NPHW 2021 is “Building Bridges to Better Health.” And after a year in which COVID-19 has consumed most of our attention, the daily themes for the week serve as reminder of some of the many aspects of our work we still need to focus on: rebuilding, advancing racial equity, strengthening community, galvanizing climate justice, constructing COVID-19 resilience, uplifting mental health and wellness, and elevating essential and health workforces.
One of the things I really enjoy about NPHW is that we can all partake in it, regardless of where we are or what we do. Every year, I learn of individuals, programs, schools, Affiliates and communities who interpret these themes in very different and meaningful ways.
For example, a former colleague organizes tabling activities with their staff at a community-based clinic, focusing on a different theme each day. Another colleague works with her students, using different social media platforms to spread resources and information related to the themes. I used to give extra credit to students who wrote or called their elected officials to advocate on issues related to the themes.
While I want to encourage all APHA members to engage in NPHW activities, I also recognize that many of us are exhausted and may not have the proverbial bandwidth to engage as much this year. All of us in the public health workforce have been on high alert for the past year, and in some locations, under attack.
A key piece of self-care is the ability to know your limits and comfortably say no when we need to.
This act, in and of itself, is consistent with at least three of this year’s themes. My point here is that the work we do as public health professionals must start from within.
But if you have the energy and the time and want to engage, there are hundreds of ways you can do it.
Every year, APHA develops a comprehensive toolkit full of ideas on how to get involved. I invite you to visit the NPHW website at www.nphw.org to find out how you and your community can partner with us this year.
I’d love to hear what you are doing this year. Thank you again for all the work you do, and happy National Public Health Week!
To read and share this column in Spanish, visit www.thenationshealth.org/content/51/2/3.2.
- Copyright The Nation’s Health, American Public Health Association
