Item:
Title
Proclamation - National Public Health Week (5min)
Body
Date of BOCC Meeting: April 7, 2025
Request for Board Action:
Agenda Text
The Board is requested to proclaim April 7-13, 2025, as National Public Health Week. The theme "It Starts Here" emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact on our homes, communities, and state.
The 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week celebrates significant achievements, including:
• A dramatic decline in HIV/AIDS-related deaths, with treatment advancements allowing many people with HIV to live full, healthy lives.
• A decrease in smoking rates from 25.5% in 1994 to 11.4% today through public awareness, smoking bans, and tobacco taxes.
• A reduction in childhood mortality, from 13.8 to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births, thanks to vaccines, improved healthcare, and better nutrition.
• Progress in mental health care, with more individuals receiving support thanks to expanded services and a growing understanding of mental health needs.
• A significant reduction in childhood lead exposure, from 4.4% to under 0.5%, due to important policy changes.
• Increased recognition of how environmental factors, like climate change, can affect health, with efforts like cooling centers and public health campaigns to address these concerns.
• Advancements in preparedness for health threats, including innovations like mRNA technology and global vaccine distribution.
Alignment with Strategic Plan: This item aligns with Durham County Strategic Goal: Healthy and Inclusive Community.
Resource Persons: Rodney Jenkins, DrPH, MHA, Public Health Director
County Manager’s Recommendation: The County Manager recommends that the Board proclaim April 7-13, 2025, as National Public Health Week. The theme "It Starts Here" emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact on our homes, communities, and state.
Signature
County Manager: ____________________________