National Public Health Week
Join us in celebrating the importance of public health and its vital role in our lives. From April 6 to April 12, we invite you to join us for a week-long journey of awareness, action, and advocacy. This year's theme, "Ready. Set. Action!" serves as a strong reminder that invites all Americans to renew their commitment to strengthening the systems, science, and community partnerships that keep us healthy.
What is National Public Health Week?
National Public Health Week (NPHW) is an annual observance in the United States that highlights the importance of public health and celebrates the accomplishments of public health initiatives. Started by the American Public Health Association (APHA), NPHW serves as a platform to raise awareness of critical public health issues, support advocacy efforts, and motivate action at the local, national, and global levels.
This year's NPHW theme, "Ready. Set. Action!" calls on each of us to look back at the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future. Because one truth guides it all: Good health doesn’t just happen.
Ready. Set. Action: Scientific Advancement
Science is not abstract — it is the reason most children live past the age of five and most adults live well into later life. Science delivered vaccines, sanitation, seat belts and safer workplaces. Good health doesn’t just happen — the knowledge gained through science makes it possible.
Ready. Set. Action: Community Partnership
Public health lives in our environments: the air we breathe, water we drink, sidewalks we walk and parks we enjoy. These are not amenities — they are lifelines. Good health doesn’t just happen — communities set the stage to shape it.
Ready. Set Action: You Partner with Public Health
Public health is not something done to you; it is something created with you. Individuals influence outcomes through their daily choices and collective advocacy. Whether it’s increasing the number of fully vaccinated individuals in Prince George’s County or hosting important RoundTable Talks to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, good health doesn’t just happen — you play a vital role in creating it.
Ready. Set. Action: Government Partners
Government agencies and public health professionals must row in the same direction. Coordination is the backbone of clean water, safe food, disease prevention and emergency response. Good health doesn’t just happen — it’s built on a foundation of safety and sanitary laws enacted by governments to keep us all healthy.
What Public Health Means to Me
We invited healthcare professionals in the Health Department to share their stories and perspectives on what public health means to them in recognition of the 31st anniversary of National Public Health Week (NPHW)! This year's theme, “Ready. Set Action!” emphasizes the importance of taking the fundamental steps toward better health and highlights the foundational role of public health in creating healthier communities and improving lives. Thank you for all that you do!
Act Now
This year's theme is Ready. Set. Action! As we celebrate, let's acknowledge how public health has enhanced our daily lives, protected our families, increased life expectancy, and fortified our communities. It's also an opportunity to recognize public health workers who serve us daily and to promote policies and practices that ensure good health for all.
For over 150 years, public health has transformed what’s possible in the United States—adding decades to life expectancy and significantly improving quality of life. These successes didn’t happen by chance; community health workers and medical professionals led the way—along with scientists and advocates—who pushed for policies rooted in evidence and focused on equity.