Public Health Celebrates National Public Health Week

Closeup of a support hands. Closeup shot of a young woman holding a senior man's hands in comfort. Female carer holding hands of senior man

​Public Health is excited to celebrate National Public Health Week 2023. This year’s theme is Centering and Celebrating Culture in Health, highlighting the importance of diversity of cultures in the public health workforce and in our communities.  

To kick off this year’s celebration, Public Health hosted an Employee Appreciation event at Hornet’s Nest Park. The afternoon was full of fun events, recreation, and lots of appreciation for the hard work of the County’s public health professionals.  

“I am so proud of our more than 800 team members who serve our community with passion and commitment every day. It’s our job to promote and protect the public’s health. Whether it’s giving a shot, providing access to healthy foods, creating smoke free environments, supporting healthy learning in schools, protecting our food and environment, responding to HIV/STDs and other emerging outbreaks, cancer screenings and so much more – we are Public Health,” said Dr. Raynard Washington, Mecklenburg County Public Health Director.  

Across the country, health departments are spotlighting their work and efforts in the community. The American Public Health Association leads the effort and a theme is shared each day of the week: 

  • Monday: Community 

  • Tuesday: Violence Prevention 

  • Wednesday: Reproductive and Sexual Health 

  • Thursday: Mental Health 

  • Friday: Rural Health 

  • Saturday: Accessibility 

  • Sunday: Food and Nutrition 

Learn more about National Public Health Week at www.nphw.org.