FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Relations
Now in its 30th year, National Public Health Week is set to kick off on April 7. Hosted by the American Public Health Association with the theme, ‘It Starts Here,’ the week will unpack what has been accomplished in the last three decades, what to look forward to in the next 30 years and what advocacy for healthier communities looks like across the nation. Everyone is invited to participate in NPHW events all week long, using them as a springboard to celebrate public health accomplishments and work throughout the year towards optimal, equitable health and well-being for all.
At APHA, your health is our mission. We are in an uncertain time as evidence-based tools, science, research and health equity guidance are viewed by some as unreliable approaches to fixing the public’s most pressing health issues. It is why the Association and other organizations and health advocates are dedicated to improving the health of all Americans. Join us and communities across the country for the 30th anniversary of NPHW to celebrate successes, look ahead to upcoming challenges and create a vision for the future. Public health is all of us — and it starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and neighborhoods.
“It has transformed our lives in ways we often don’t even realize — from cleaner air and water to safer food, vaccines, and emergency preparedness. It’s important to ensure that accurate, science-based information guides our future. I encourage everyone to join the conversations during NPHW that range from strengthening the public health workforce, to exploring the challenges related to intellectual and developmental disabilities to exploring how mental health intersects with climate change. You can help us shape a healthier, more informed future for all,” said Michelle Loosli, APHA Director of Affiliate Affairs.
“We are at a pivotal moment in our nation where we must utilize what we have learned from the past to address the many challenges to achieving optimal health. National Public Health Week is our chance to demonstrate our accomplishments and advocate for a better tomorrow,” added APHA Executive Director, Dr. Georges C. Benjamin.
NPHW will launch with a forum on April 7 at 3:30 p.m. ET, on 'Combating Health Misinformation in the Digital Age’ at George Washington University’s Milken Institute School of Public Health. "We are committed to training the next generation of leaders and advancing research that drives meaningful change. Investing in public health isn’t just necessary — it’s imperative for building a healthier, more resilient future for all," says Dr. Lynn Goldman, Dean of GWU’s Milken Institute School of Public Health.
Guided by a panel of speakers including Dr. Benjamin and TikTok medical myth-buster Dr. Joel Bervell, the discussion will focus on how to combat misinformation.
“Silencing experts and dismantling trusted systems doesn’t just suppress information — it endangers marginalized communities. Public health progress relies on evidence-based knowledge, and we must ensure fact-based information remains clear, accessible, and protected from distortion. By bridging traditional public health institutions with digital platforms, we can fight misinformation and safeguard the future of public health,” says Dr. Bervell.
Following that discussion will be a conversation on the lessons of the last 30 years that can help public health leaders, providers, policymakers and advocates improve health in the decades to come. Our key topics for the week are:
Registration for NPHW events is now open. Media members can register by contacting APHA Media Relations.
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The American Public Health Association serves as a convenor, catalyst and advocate to build capacity in the public health community. We speak out for public health issues and policies backed by science. With our broad-based member community and 150-year perspective, we influence federal policy to improve the public’s health. We lead public awareness campaigns such as Get Ready and National Public Health Week. Together, we are creating optimal, equitable health and well-being for all. Learn more at www.apha.org.