Maryland Department of Health Celebrates Public Health Week and Minority Health Month

The Maryland Department of Health is currently celebrating Public Health Week and Minority Health Month in Maryland.

Per the news release: In honor of National Public Health Week and National Minority Health Month 2024, the Maryland Department of Health is celebrating Maryland’s public health workers and how their hard work in Maryland communities promotes wellbeing and addresses health disparities to leave no one behind.

Public Health Week in Maryland coincides with t​he American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week 2024, sharing its theme: “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are All Public Health.” It also runs concurrently with National Minority Health Month 2024, which is focused on raising awareness about the need to improve the health of racial and ethnic minority communities and reduce health disparities.

“We work in partnership with local health departments, community organizations and directly with residents statewide to ensure that Marylanders have access to health services they need,” said Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “This April, we will highlight the important ways that public health impacts us all, from keeping our food and water safe to making sure our homes are healthy for our children.”

Throughout April, the Department and its partners will host and participate in events to raise awareness of the many ways that public health services help connect and protect communities, including minority and vulnerable populations. Events include a social media campaign to promote and cele​brate the contributions of public health workers and a community walk for state employees. ​There will also be discussion panels throughout the month for the Department and its partners focused on public health topics of importance, including Emergency Preparedness, Health Literacy and Sexual and Reproductive Health.

“I am grateful to lead a public health workforce that truly cares about what they do, helping the people of Maryland live healthier lives,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “Whether it’s helping provide maternal care for marginalized communities, or staying updated on our emergency preparedness for community safety, public health workers help us thrive.”

For daily updates on public health and programs, follow the Department’s Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.