National Public Health Week
April 4-10, 2011
Safety is NO Accident
It only takes a moment for an injury to happen – a fall on a stair, a moment's glance away from the road, a biking or sports-related injury, a medication mix-up. But it also takes just a moment to protect against injuries and make communities safer. During National Public Health Week 2011, the American Public Health Association (APHA) wants to educate Americans that "Safety is NO Accident."
Since 1995, the APHA has reserved one week in April for National Public Health Week to recognize the unsung heroes of public health who advocate life-saving practices ranging from immunizations to helmet safety and everything in between.
The Colorado Health Foundation joins APHA in saluting the contributions of public health and its workforce here in Colorado and across the country. After all, prevention is the best way to create health and wellness, and the first line of defense against death and disease.
Public Health Man
Cartoonist Ed Stein reveals the superhero lurking under the mild-mannered exterior of every public health worker.
Cartoon Corner: Public Health Man from The Colorado Health Foundation on Vimeo.
Insights on Public Health
The Colorado Health Foundation features public health-related themes on its Health Relay blog during National Public Health Week and throughout the year. Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment Chris Urbina, MD, MPH, kicks off National Public Health Week 2011 with a blog on why injury is NO accident. In honor of National Public Health Week 2010, Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director of the Tri-County Health Department, shared his thoughts about the role of public health in this Health Relay post. Check out a blog from Adrienne Veyna, a student at the Colorado School of Public Health. Also, read a commentary on fast food excess from Tim Byers, MD, MPH assistant dean of the Colorado School of Public Health.
Ten Great Public Health Achievements
Since 1900, the average lifespan of persons in the United States has lengthened by more than 30 years – thanks in large part to significant achievements of the public health sector including vaccinations, fluoridated drinking water and food safety. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report selected the 10 most notable public health achievements based on the opportunity for prevention and the impact on death, illness and disability in the United States. [Learn more]
Our Public Health Partners
Through our grantmaking, the Colorado Health Foundation supports many organizations that promote public health, most notably:
Related Public Health Week Information