Have you heard about National Public Health Week 2023?
In the shadow of the COVID-19 crisis, this awareness campaign is more important than ever. It’s not a new idea, though - the American Public Health Association has been organizing National Public Health Week (NPHW) for more than 25 years.
Let’s learn more about NPHW and how it’s more important than ever during the current pandemic.
What Is National Public Health Week?
Held the first full week of April every year (April 3rd through 9th in 2023), National Public Health Week has been around for 25 years with the goal of raising awareness about public health and prevention.
The primary goal is to address the causes of poor health and disease risk among individuals and within our communities.
NPHW Daily Themes
Every day of National Public Health Week has a different theme. This year’s daily themes are:
Monday: Mental Health — promote and advocate for emotional well-being
Tuesday: Maternal and Child Health — ensure the health of babies and their mothers
Wednesday: Violence Prevention — reduce community and personal violence to improve health
Thursday: Environmental Health — help maintain and protect a healthy planet
Friday: Education — advocate for quality schools and education
Saturday: Healthy Housing — ensure access to safe and affordable housing
Sunday: Economics — advocate for economic empowerment as the key to a healthy life
National Public Health Week and COVID-19
Thanks to the social distancing measures that have been implemented across most of the country, NPHW will look a little different this year. Here are some ways that COVID-19 is impacting each daily theme this year:
Monday, Mental Health - For most people, stress levels are through the roof right now. Whether you’re worried about the disease itself or the financial impact of social distancing, reach out to your loved ones for support.
Tuesday, Maternal and Child Health - Children and pregnant women are considered “at-risk” populations during the COVID-19 crisis and may need to take extra precautions to stay safe.
Wednesday, Violence Prevention - Unfortunately, the novel coronavirus pandemic has led to an increased rate of violence against people who look Asian or Chinese. Counteract misinformation about the virus with facts from trusted sources.
Thursday, Environmental Health - Air quality is clearing up around the world as people are staying home. How can we keep up those positive changes when social distancing stops?
Friday, Education - The need for distance learning is showing that access to technology and high speed internet is a necessity rather than a luxury. How can we increase access for low-income children?
Saturday, Healthy Homes - How can we ensure that people have safe homes during the crisis? Problems like second-hand smoke and mold cause health problems, even under ideal conditions.
Sunday, Economics - Social distancing is impacting the finances of millions of Americans. Now is the time to fight for paid sick leave and other ways to lessen the financial hardships caused by the pandemic.
The Importance of Public Health During a Pandemic
Issues that are always important to public health are now brought to the forefront during a pandemic. These issues include things like:
Housing - How can we protect and isolate the homeless during a pandemic? How can we protect tenants so that they continue to have access to safe housing?
Paid sick leave - Forcing employees to choose between going to work sick and going without pay is a good way to spread all diseases (not just COVID-19). Paid sick leave policies can help improve public health at any time, but more so during a pandemic.
Asthma - Asthma has a disproportionate impact on low-income communities and communities of color. This is always an issue, but during the current pandemic, these people are at higher risk of death thanks to the respiratory nature of this novel coronavirus.
Telehealth - The opportunity to speak to a doctor with a phone or video appointment is always crucial, but it’s even more important during a pandemic.
PlushCare's Dedication to Public Health
PlushCare remains dedicated to improving public health by offering online access to physical and mental health care. There’s no need to let the COVID-19 crisis get in the way of access to medical care - PlushCare can diagnose and treat many conditions with a phone or video appointment.
Our board certified physicians can diagnose your condition and prescribe all non controlled substances.
To make an appointment to speak to one of our licensed doctors. Our trusted doctors can talk to you about your concerns relating to the novel coronavirus or many other health conditions, including things like:
Allergies
Cold or flu symptoms
Sinus infections
UTI
Sore throat
Rash
STD/STI
Pink eye
Headaches
Diabetes
Depression
Asthma
High blood pressure
Thyroid disorders
Insomnia
PrEP
Birth Control
Prescription renewals
Read More About Public Health
Sources
National Public Health Week. National Public Health Week 2020. Accessed on April 5, 2020 at http://www.nphw.org/nphw-2020
Public Health Institute. Protecting Public Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic: PHI Response & Resources. Accessed on April 5, 2020 at https://www.phi.org/press/protecting-public-health-during-the-covid-19-pandemic-phi-response-resources/
