This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, which takes place this year from April 7-13, 2025. This year’s theme is “It Starts Here.” Each day of the week, the American Public Health Association (APHA) will identify ways that each of us can make a difference. Think of public health as “an invisible force that protects our safety and wellbeing” as we live, work and enjoy life. Public health is about much more than restaurant inspections!

 

The 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week is an opportunity to celebrate the many public health achievements reached over the past several decades. These include large declines in vaccine-preventable diseases like rotavirus, tetanus, pertussis, measles and more.

 

It also includes reductions in tobacco use by outlawing indoor smoking, banning flavored cigarettes, and restricting tobacco access from young people. We can also celebrate declines in motor vehicle deaths due to safer roadways and vehicles, better licensing policies for teens, and safety laws around the use of seatbelts and child car seats.

 

In recognition of National Public Health Week, here are a few ways we can become involved in public health efforts.

 

Remember, It Starts with You!

Reach Out to Neighbors
Having a strong community helps us to be and stay healthier for longer. Being a good neighbor could mean offering to run errands for someone with limited mobility or someone who has a new baby. Even just checking in to say hello is a nice thing to do!

 

Support Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you or someone you know needs mental health services, contact the national helpline (https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline) at 1-800-662-HELP. You can also call, text, or chat 988 to connect with a trained counselor through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also check out the website of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to learn more about mental health.

 

It starts with Communities and Neighborhoods!

Promote Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
Another way to strengthen community bonds is to participate in local physical activities, like Shape Up NYC, walking challenges and walking groups, charity walks or participating in online fitness classes together.

 

In your place of work, school, or faith community, advocate for policies and practices that support health. For example, at work, challenge your co-workers to commit to drinking no-sugar beverages for the next month. Or within your faith community, advocate to include fruits and vegetables at all events for the next six months.

Becoming involved in a community garden helps to increase access to healthy foods in a community and enhances social connections.

 

Improve Public Spaces in Your Community
Parks and green spaces foster healthy communities by offering safe environments for all. Consider volunteering with NYC Parks in your area to do cleaning, trail maintenance, or guiding and orienting visitors.

 

Get to know your local elected officials and ask them to support legislation that improves community infrastructure, including parks, sidewalks, and bike lanes.

 

It Starts with City & State!

Build a Strong Public Health Infrastructure
Work with public health officials, healthcare providers, educators, and business owners to champion legislation that supports safe, affordable housing, access to healthy food, safe and reliable transportation, equal access in education, and employment opportunities for all.

 

This Public Health Week, get to know the “invisible force” of public health! When public health is a priority at every level of society, we all have the opportunity to thrive.

 

Liz Spurrell-Huss, MSW, MPH is director of community & population health at Montefiore Health System