HAWAIʻI COUNTY OBSERVES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 2023
HAWAIʻI COUNTY OBSERVES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK 2023
Hawaiʻi County is proud to join the Hawaiʻi District Health Offices of the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (DOH) celebrating National Public Health Week from April 3 through 9, 2023.
This year’s celebration recognizes the community’s progress through the global COVID-19 crisis, as the country is set to end its federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. Despite the challenges faced, communities across Hawaiʻi Island were able to maintain one of the lowest COVID-19-related death rates in the nation. At the same time, existing health disparities in the community were clearly highlighted throughout.
“Throughout the pandemic, we have learned that we are much stronger when we encourage and selflessly support one another,” said Mayor Mitch Roth. “As we officially move forward from the Public Health Emergency, our county will continue to focus on communities to protect, prioritize, and influence the future of public health. We invite public health professionals, students, elected leaders, activists, and residents to join us and make our island more sustainable, equitable, safe, and healthy for all.”
“Across the nation, there are more than 200,000 local and state public health professionals with various roles in protecting and improving the health and environment for all Americans. Our Hawaiʻi District Health Offices represent just 100 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to serve the island’s public health with over 200,000 residents. We work in various settings including disease prevention and investigation, laboratory, vector control, food safety, mental health service, maternal health service, and case management for individuals with a developmental disability,” says Hawaiʻi District Health Officer John Kolman, Ph.D. “Our work is extremely challenging if we don’t have the community’s support. We are grateful for the partnership with healthcare providers, volunteers, community-based organizations, businesses, and residents.”
The County will support two DOH open houses where residents are invited and encouraged to engage with various DOH program representatives and other local organizations providing public health services.
Date: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: West Hawaiʻi Civic Center
Address: 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Date: Thursday, April 6, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: Hilo State Office Building
Address: 75 Aupuni St, Hilo, HI 96720
