Maryland Department of Health celebrates Public Health Week

Per the Maryland Department of Health: Coinciding with National Public Health Week and Minority Health Month, the event recognizes the contributions of the public health profession in the state.
Following Governor Wes Moore’s recent proclamation of April 3 – 9 as Public Health Week in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) will celebrate the occasion by recognizing the contributions of the public health workforce and highlighting issues that are important to the health of the state’s communities, including rebuilding public trust and confidence in public health and addressing health disparities.

“Maryland’s public health workforce is expansive, diverse, and driven to serve,” said Governor Wes Moore. “I join all Marylanders in expressing both my abiding gratitude that we have such a rich public health legacy and my shared commitment to building an even stronger, healthier future for all of Maryland’s communities.”

Public Health Week in Maryland coincides with National Public Health Week 2023 and shares its theme: “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health.” This year’s theme acknowledges that our cultures shape our health and that celebrating the unique ways different cultures focus on health is critical for the health of our state.
“Deepening our present connections to cultures is the way forward in public health,” said MDH Secretary Laura Hererra Scott. “When we value the beliefs and behaviors of diverse communities and cultures, we strengthen our ability to meet culturally unique healthcare needs.”

Public Health Week in Maryland also coincides with National Minority Health Month 2023 and shares its theme: “Better Health Through Better Understanding.”
“No matter who we are or where we’re from, we can all take part in building toward a healthier future,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “I am grateful to lead a public health workforce that’s listening to the people who understand their communities best. I’m also excited that we’re tackling disparities in policy and systems and energizing a culture-centered public health workforce for the future.”

Throughout April, MDH and its partners will host and participate in events to raise awareness of the underlying causes of poor health and disease risk among vulnerable populations. Events include weekly community walks for state employees, a digital ad campaign to promote and celebrate the contributions of public health workers, and a networking event for state employees exhibiting culturally-diverse MDH programs and services.

For daily updates on public health in action, Marylanders can follow MDH at http://www.twitter.com/MDHealthDept and Facebook.com/MDHealthDept.