Montgomery County will release a series of social media posts and host community events to commemorate National Public Health Week April 1 through April 7.
The week’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” There will also be daily themes focused on issues such as civic engagement, climate change and reproductive and sexual health.
Residents are invited to attend four events, including a talk about cultivating health through gardening, a zip code and equity report presentation, a conversation on climate change with youth and a discussion about the intersection of community risk reduction and public health.
The events are free, but registration is required through the Maryland Public Health Association website.
The 2024 County Health Rankings named Montgomery County one of the healthiest on the state. County Executive Marc Elrich said in a press release this recognition was because of the county’s abundance of health care resources and outcomes.
“A strong public health system creates healthier families, stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all,” Elrich said in the press release. “If you can, join our virtual public health events throughout this week that offer information on how to improve your health and some of the work we are doing.”
Schedule of National Public Health Week Events
Tuesday, April 2. 6:30-7:30 p.m.
GardenRx: Cultivating Health through Gardening, By Gardening and Beats
Gardening Educator: Kimani Anku
Brigadier General Charles E McGee Library
900 Wayne Avenue, Silver Spring
The event is free, but registration is required.
Wednesday, April 3. 5-6 p.m. via Zoom
Zip Code and Health Equity Report Presentation
Presenters: Chunfu Liu and Nathan Lorei
Montgomery County has consistently ranked No. 1 for overall health outcomes in Maryland by County Health Rankings since 2014. Despite this, a close examination of population subgroups and geographic areas reveals great disparities in health outcomes and factors contributing to health outcomes across communities and population subgroups within the County. Together, the Zip Code Ranking Project and the Health Equity Report will inform approaches in prevention, promotion, policy, practice and planning for existing and new health programs to meet the public health needs of Montgomery County.
The event is free, but registration is required.
Wednesday, April 3. 4-5:30 p.m. via Zoom
Conversations on Climate Change: Perspectives from Students and Professionals
Presenters: Laura Anderko and Advika Agarwal
Speakers will share their work and connection to climate change, how it has impacted them and why/how they are involved in the climate change/environmental health space. Panel will be opened at the end of the presentation to discussion and questions from the audience.
Target Audience: Youth, grades 6-12 (primary audience); general public (secondary audience)
The event is free, but registration is required.
Thursday, April 4. 10 a.m.-Noon via Zoom
The Intersection of Community Risk Reduction and Public Health
Presenters: Beth Anne Nesselt, Lt. Irvin Smith, Oscar Mendez and Anthony Ramirez
This session promises to shed light on critical connections between community risk reduction and public health, with a focus on the invaluable insights garnered from the Montgomery County Fire Rescue Service’s experience. Speakers will share innovative strategies, collaborative approaches and best practices aimed at enhancing community well-being and safety.
The event is free, but registration is required.
Related:
Montgomery County Ranked One of the Healthiest in Maryland and U.S.
