Leaders and communities view public health departments in a new light after two straight years responding to a global pandemic. During the first full week of April, Austin Public Health (APH) joins the American Public Health Association (APHA) to observe National Public Health Week. It is a time to recognize public health contributions and highlight issues that affect our quality of life.
“Austin-Travis County is only as strong as the health of its community,” said APH Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Public health starts with personal health, and we as a community must prioritize our own well-being and the well-being of our community, including those who do not have the means to do so for themselves.”
APH led the pandemic response while continuing to offer many of its existing health programs. Public health services include:
Address Your Stress
Birth and Death Certificates
Childcare Services
Day Labor
Diabetes Education and Prevention Classes
Health Screenings
Homelessness
Immunizations
Refugee Services
Restaurant Inspections
Rodent and Vector Control
Safe Gun Storage Saves Lives
Social Services
Sexual Health Clinic
Swimming Pool and Spa Inspections
Tobacco/Smoking Cessation and Prevention
Tuberculosis Testing
Walk Texas! Active Austin 10-Week Challenge
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Youth Development Services
“Our community has led the state in best practices and surveillance throughout the pandemic. That’s a credit to APH's strong foundation and partnerships that existed prior to 2020,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “But the work of a public health department is never finished. We know we’ll need more resources to continue our work and set ourselves up for success.”
APHA creates materials each year that can be used during and after National Public Health Week to raise awareness about public health and prevention. Visit their National Public Health Week website to see and share daily themes that focus on a particular public health topics.
