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Public Health and The Community

The week of April 2-6, 2007 is National Public Health Week. Most people do not have any idea of how public health works in their lives. The mission of public health is to promote physical and mental health and prevent disease, injury and disability. Public health works to: Prevent epidemics and the spread of disease; Protect against environmental hazards; Prevent injuries; Promote and encourage healthy behaviors; Respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery; and to assure the quality and accessibility of health services.

This year, the theme of National Public Health Week focuses on Emergency Preparedness. You have probably heard or seen messages on television and in the print media about preparing for an emergency. You may have received literature in the mail. In fact, you have probably heard or seen so many messages, that you tend to ignore them. However, there are three important steps you should take that will help you in any emergency situation, even if it is just a temporary power outage. They are: Making an emergency supply kit; Developing a family plan; and keeping yourself informed.

While you are making personal plans in preparation for an emergency, you should know that public health is also working on such plans for the community. This is occurring at all levels of public health, from the Federal level down to the local level. At the local level, the health department is working with other town departments to prepare for an emergency. Issues such as a safe water supply, shelters, communications, health resources and evacuation plans are being addressed. In addition, local health and community groups are developing plans to address problems that could occur should a pandemic flu become a reality.

While it is impossible to know what could happen or when or where, having a plan that addresses as many situations as possible will help ensure the publics’ health and safety. It is not a failsafe concept, but it is an attempt to address the possible issues facing our towns today.

Some other public health initiatives and/or actions that have impacted your life (that you may not realize) are: Public health campaigns that targeted issues such as seat belts, smoking, lead poisoning, helmet use, cardiovascular disease and AIDS; Immunization campaigns; A Public Health code which ensures that your septic system will work properly; your well water will be clean; and inspections of restaurants, day cares, clinics, and other such facilities will occur;

Today Americans enjoy better health, live in healthier conditions, know more about how to take care of their health, and live longer than at any other time in the past. To a large extent, these trends are results of the efforts and activities or Public Health.

For written information on Public Health, District residents (Hamden, North Haven and Woodbridge) can call QVHD, 203.248.4528. Or you can request information online or through email, dculligan@qvhd.org

Quinnipiack Valley Health District
1151 Hartford Turnpike
North Haven, CT 06473

Phone. (203)248-4528
Fax. (203)248-6671
E-Mail. info@qvhd.org