Celebrate public health during week of recognition
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation's health.
We may be physically distant from each other, but now it’s more important than ever to come together. That’s why the NPHW 2021 theme is “Building Bridges to Better Health.”
Making communities safe and healthy is public health’s top priority. COVID-19 has made that even more important. Even though we won’t gather in person, social media and virtual platforms make it easier than ever for us to connect, create and take action.
All NPHW 2021 events will be held virtually. The West Virginia University School of Public Health invites everyone to join us online April 5-11 as we share important information about initiatives within the School and WVU related to the APHA daily themes – rebuilding, advancing racial equity, strengthening community, galvanizing climate justice, constructing COVID-19 resilience, uplifting mental health and wellness and elevating the essential and health workforce.
Throughout the week, help APHA continue to thank public health professionals for all the hard work everyone's doing to keep our communities safe on social media. Share notes of thanks for our community partners and public health professionals who have made an impact on your journey in the School of Public Health on your profiles using #ThankYouPublicHealth.
All WVU faculty, staff and students are encouraged to participate, whether it’s taking part in the national online forums to sharing your insights or resharing content on social media, there are multiple ways to get involved and become advocates for positive change.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Below is a select list of events being hosted by APHA. Check the NPHW events web page for a full list of events each day, as more are being added all the time.
- Instagram Scavenger Hunt
- Monday, April 5 – Sunday, April 11
- Take part in a fun activity during #NPHW for the chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card! The American Public Health Association and the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health are hosting a digital scavenger hunt for National Public Health Week. The items to post relate to the daily themes of National Public Health Week. You are not required to publish an image relating to the daily theme on the day you post, though it may help your chances of winning. The more times you post, the higher your chances are to win. Happy hunting! Get the rules and list of scavenger hunt items.
- Forum: Building Healthy Communities from the Grassroots
- Monday, April 5 | 1-3 p.m.
- Join APHA and public health leaders from across the country in this conversation about the community-led movements that are creating a stronger, safer, healthier and more inclusive world. The National Public Health Week Forum is the national kickoff for NPHW. RSVP to watch the livestream.
- Building Bridges to Advance Equity
- Tuesday, April 6 | 12-1:30 p.m.
- We welcome interested public health professionals, local organizers, advocates, and community members interested in public health to learn about and share approaches for addressing racial equity in community health initiatives. RSVP to join the exchange.
- NPHW and AJPH: A Dialogue
- Tuesday, April 6 | 4-5 p.m.
- APHA's American Journal of Public Health has long been a leader in promoting the public health conversation, especially around NPHW. Join moderator and AJPH Editor-in-Chief Alfredo Morabia, MD, PhD, and AJPH authors as they discuss what the future of public health will look like, and the steps we can take to get there. RSVP to attend the discussion.
- APHA Student Assembly 1010 Webinar
- Tuesday, April 6 | 7-8 p.m.
- In this webinar learn more about APHA Student Assembly history, structure, priorities, events and opportunities from APHA SA Leaders. Discover pathways to engage, promote leadership, and network with other APHA student members. This event is open to both members and non-members of APHA. RSVP to participate.
- Twitter Chat
- Wednesday, April 7 | 2-3 p.m.
- We'll chat about all things public health, celebrate everything public health has accomplished and talk about where the movement is going. Make sure you follow @NPHW on Twitter and use #NPHWChat. See the questions and register to participate.
- Lessons in Mentoring Webinar
- Thursday, April 8 | 12-1 p.m.
- This webinar, in partnership with APHA staff and Student Assembly, features an expert mentoring panel discussing their lessons in mentoring. This webinar is designed for public health professionals to gain insight from experienced mentors on how to get started in mentoring, how to build these mentor/mentee relationships, how to be an effective mentor during the pandemic, and much more. RSVP for this webinar.
- “Get Hired After Graduation” Young Professionals Panel
- Thursday, April 8 | 5-6 p.m.
- For students about to graduate into an uncertain future, now's a great time to hear from young professionals who navigated the pandemic to secure their public health roles. Join us for webinar and discussion featuring a dynamic panel of young public health professionals and learn tips and tricks from those who have been in your shoes. RSVP for this webinar.
- APHA Policy Action Institute
- Thursday, April 8 and Friday, April 9
- APHA’s Virtual Policy Action Institute brings the importance of policy to the forefront during National Public Health Week. Join elected officials, policy experts and influential speakers as they explore such topics as health equity, COVID-19, climate change, the federal health agendas and how to effectively communicate across party lines. View the agenda, meet the speakers and register online.
- Vision Board Workshop
- Saturday, April 10 | 3-4 p.m.
- Join APHA staff as we focus on what matters, and get creative visualizing our goals! We'll be creating virtual vision boards. This free art workshop is open to everyone. RSVP to participate.