CCHD & APHA invites you to join us as we celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2024!

Our theme this year is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health”. Public health is more than just health care. It's the steps we take to make sure our neighborhoods and environment are free from pollution. It's making sure our food and water are safe to eat and drink. It's also the relationships we foster in our communities. We're all interconnected. When we all come together to support public health, all of us — individuals, families, communities and the public health field — can achieve the goals of public health.

As we celebrate the 29th NPHW, April 1-7, we want everyone to know they can make their communities healthier, safer and stronger when we support and stay engaged with one another.

We’re encouraging everyone — public health professionals, students, elected leaders, activists and the general public — to step in and do what they can to make our community a more equitable, safe, healthy and just place. We hope you’ll join us.

Below are the topics for National public health week and how CCHD will be engaging the community each day.

MONDAY 4/1/24: Civic Engagement

CCHD will be holding a Community Conversation, and residents and community stakeholders of Berlin, Newington, Rocky Hill, and Wethersfield are invited! On Monday, April 1st and on April 18th we will be talking about public health’s role in addressing mental health issues in our community and we want to hear from YOU!

For more information on how to participate, click on the Community Conversation box below. If you are unable to attend in person, you can call in via conference call or participate via Zoom. In-person space is limited. If you are unable to register on-line call 860-785-8380 ext. 216.

TUESDAY 4/2/24: Healthy Neighborhoods

We know that where we live – where we eat, sleep, work, play, learn and pray – can have a huge effect on our health. Having safe places to live, without hazards or pollution. Having safe ways for everyone to be active, like sidewalks, and safe places to bike. Having easy access to fresh, affordable, nutritious and culturally appropriate food. When our neighborhoods are healthy, we have the building blocks for healthy lives. To find out what makes a neighborhood healthy, click the box to the right.

On this day we will announce the annual Walk This May event! Walk This May is our annual four town walking competition. Get your sneakers on and join us for some friendly town to town competition! Click the picture to the left for more information.

We will also be sharing information on social media about simple food gardening, and recipes that use the food that you can grow!

WEDNESDAY 4/3/24: Climate change

Climate change is the most pressing threat to human health that our world faces today. Some groups of people, including communities of color and low-income neighborhoods, are disproportionately impacted by climate change. They face decades of limited investment in their health and increased pollution in their neighborhoods. We need swift action to lessen the health impacts of climate change. Now is the time to act. To find out more about what actions your community can do click the box to the left.

CCHD encourages residents to Reuse, Reduce & Recycle! Instead of throwing out the household items and clothes that you no longer want or need, please consider donating them to a local organization! Donating clothing is an act of kindness that not only helps people in need but also benefits the environment. Every year, billions of pounds of clothing end up in landfills, which leads to harmful effects on the environment.

Want to help reduce your carbon footprint? You can grow a tree!! CCHD has partnered with Neighborhood Forest to help give native species of trees for children to plant! Register for your free tree by March 15th by clicking on the image to the right. When you register, under “teacher’s name", put your email or phone number so we can contact you when your tree has arrived! If you have any questions please contact cgacek@ccthd.org or lcoakley@ccthd.org.

THURSDAY 4/4/24: New tools and innovations

Public health is all about preventing disease, diagnosing health conditions and encouraging health and well-being. However, achieving these goals wouldn’t be possible without the help of new tools and innovations in public health. From wearable fitness bands to virtual doctors’ appointments, new technology has changed the way individuals and communities receive and respond to health information. Other tools, like warning systems for natural disasters or COVID-19 testing kits, can help individuals stay connected and protected during emergencies. Advancements in public health can help us in the fight towards equity, so all people and populations can thrive.

Harm Reduction, an innovation that reduces overdose and drug use related fatalities and disease burden. Do you know what the term “harm reduction” means? Stay tuned for a video from our Recovery Coach, Sara, this day to learn more about what it is and how it helps both people with substance use disorders, and their support system.

FRIDAY 4/5/24: reproductive & sexual health

When people have access to quality reproductive and sexual health care and education, they can live happier and healthier lives. We will be posting details about our reproductive health fair on April 18th at the CCHD main office, including a mobile mammogram van, Hepatitis C antibody testing, information about STI/STDs, free condoms, etc.

Free male and female condoms are ALWAYS available in the CCHD main office lobby. Stop by and grab a few to protect yourself and others against sexually transmitted infections.

SATURDAY 4/6/24: Emergency Preparedness

Unexpected events such as power outages and natural disasters like earthquakes and hurricanes can happen without a moment’s notice. That is why being ready for emergencies is crucial. Emergency preparedness is exactly what it sounds like; it involves planning, having supplies on hand and knowing how to stay safe during an emergency. Being ready for crises before they happen can not only protect you and your loved ones but also underserved communities where disasters can worsen inequities.

CCHD will be posting information this day about how community members can volunteer to help CCHD! We are looking for volunteer medical staff (RNs, pharmacists and MDs/APRNs/PAs) to help us with our October flu clinics. Be on the lookout for more information about our training sessions this day.

SUNDAY 4/7/24: The future of public health

Public health needs to take a fresh approach — one rooted in fairness and inclusivity. Picture this: a world where equity isn't just a buzzword, but a guiding principle. Communities are at the heart of decision-making and actively shaping their health, not sidelined. Public health's future is all about teaming up — joining forces with unexpected partners from different sectors and centering community voices. This future is about tearing down barriers, not just fixing problems but preventing them altogether. It's making sure every person has access to the support and care they need for a healthier life.

CCHD will be announcing our new student internship program website this day! We will also be highlighting past intern projects and the impacts they made on our community.