Contact:
Jennifer Bothast
Florida Department of Health Nassau County

April 4th-11th is National Public Health Week. Although public health has garnered more attention in the last two years because of the Covid 19 pandemic, now is a time to take a better look at the bigger picture of what roles public health takes in our day to day lives. "Public health promotes and protects the health of people and the communities where they live, learn, work and play."

While doctors are hard at work to heal the sick, public health professionals promote health in a way that helps keep people from getting sick in the first place. Public health promotes wellness by encouraging engagement in healthy behaviors. This translates to encouraging proper hygiene and vaccinations, promoting healthy nutrition and active lifestyles, and giving mothers and newborns a healthy start, among many other health programs and initiatives.

For more than 25 years, the American Public Health Association has organized this nationwide campaign to ensure that both the public and policy makers are aware of the efforts taken on their behalf. Beyond working on individual health, public health professionals also coordinate with community partners to identify improvements and remove barriers so whole communities of people can understand and have the tools they need to choose healthier lifestyles.

Just in the last few weeks here in Nassau County, The Department of Health has worked with our
community partners to warn consumers against using a powdered infant formula that was found to potentially cause salmonella. We hosted a community baby shower, provided dental services to
qualified Nassau County residents at little to no cost, were part of encouraging improved health through the Festival de La Familia for our Hispanic community, will be a part of a free webinar series on health equity education and will launch a Bingo Rx program which encourages a whole Spring and Summer of fun and safe walking experiences. These are just a few of the ways the Nassau County Health Department cares for our residents.

"Public health saves money, improves our quality of life, helps children thrive and reduces human
suffering" (www.APHA.org. To learn more about how your community health department encourages public health, please call 904-875-6100.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health, please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.