Learn More About Public Health in Our Community
Each year, during the first full week of April, organizations and communities recognize and celebrate the importance of public health during National Public Health Week (NPHW).
NPHW is a great time to learn more about public health and how the Norwalk Health Department works to promote health, prevent disease, and help make the community healthier and safer for all.
The term “public health” describes organized efforts to help entire communities become healthier. While doctors and other health care workers treat individuals when they get sick, public health professionals serve large populations and are focused on preventing illness from happening in the first place. Public health professionals have been in the public eye for the past 2 years during our nations COVID-19 response. However, many of the other functions of public health often operates behind the scenes. In fact, you might not realize the many ways the Health Department’s work impacts Norwalkers’ lives.
For example:
• We inspect restaurants, housing units, salons, and other places for safety and sanitation.
• We test the beach water during the summer months to make sure it’s safe to swim.
• We provide vaccines to children and adults, including vaccines needed for travel.
• We offer testing and education for people concerned about their sexual health.
• We work with police, fire, city officials, and community volunteers to prepare for emergencies.
• We teach children and adults about eating healthy, staying active, and making other healthy choices.
• We convene and partner with educators, health care providers, social service agencies, restaurant owners, and others to help make the healthy choice, the easy choice.
• We offer WIC services to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to 5 years old.
These are just a few of the services the Department offers to those who live, work, learn, and play in Norwalk. And we work to perform these services at the highest levels of quality and efficiency, as evidenced by our designation as a Nationally Accredited Health Department since June 2014 and a Nationally Reaccredited Health Department since March 2022.
Learn more about the Norwalk Health Department and stay connected to important public health messages by visiting www.norwalkhealth.com, liking us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/norwalkhealth), and following us on Twitter (@NorwalkHealth) and Instagram (@Norwalkhealth).
To learn more about NPHW and to find a list of NPHW events near you visit http://www.nphw.org/.