St. Louis County Celebrates National Public Health Week

By Aida De Anda

The week of April 3 to 9 took place the celebration of the National Public Health Week, the County of St. Louis through its website, recommended that citizens participate in various strategies to commemorate this important date.

Besides. the St. Louis Department of Public Health (DPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week, honoring 117 years of service to the county.

The week began with a commemoration of the legacy of Dr. William C. Banton II, who designed the St. Louis County Department of Community Health and Medical Care and became its first director in 1973.

During his lifetime, Dr. Banton dedicated his career to public service, modernizing health practices and expanding public health services.

At Monday’s event, County Executive Dr. Sam Page and DPH Director Dr. Kanika Cunningham unveiled Dr. Banton’s photograph in the lobby of the John C. Murphy Health Center in recognition of his historic contributions. of the. Dr. Banton’s family was present at the celebration and were thanked for his presence. Nationally, National Public Health Week seeks to explore how cultural connections and intersections impact our health, wellbeing, and the public health system that serves us.

Public health professionals, students, elected leaders, activists, and the general public are invited to join in the intervention and do what they can to make our world a more equitable, safe, healthy, and just place.

During the week, the power of cultural humility and prevention will be celebrated, healthy and just policies will be advocated, strategies to increase equity shared, and the role of a strong public health system will be championed.

Each day of the week is dedicated to a different theme, from community and violence prevention to rural and mental health, accessibility and food and nutrition.

The topics covered during the week were:

Monday: Community

Tuesday: Violence Prevention

Wednesday: Reproductive and Sexual Health

Thursday: Mental Health

Friday: Rural Health

Saturday: Accessibility

Sunday: Food and Nutrition

The recommendations and proposed activities were announced through the page: stlcounty.gov

Although National Health Week is a celebration typical of the month of April, it is not necessary to wait another year to start new habits that will make our lives longer and healthier.