KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - Both at home and all over the world, organizations and communities come together to celebrate public health in April, hailing the great accomplishments of the past century, while also reminding everyone of the hard work that remains to be done. This year's national theme is "Eliminating health disparities: Communities moving from statistics to solutions."
"In King County we have made great strides in ending health disparities and improving the health of all of our residents and communities," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "Additionally, we are taking on the today's public health challenges with vigor, including obesity, chronic disease prevention, emergency preparedness, tuberculosis, HIV and STDs and West Nile virus."
"Building strong families and healthy communities is one of our top priorities in the city," said Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels. "We're working to make sure our most vulnerable citizens have access to healthcare and opportunities for healthy living."
As part of this celebration and re-dedication to the work of public health, King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels have proclaimed April 5 through 11, 2004, as Public Health Week for the county and city, respectively.
"From our food protection program to our tobacco prevention program, from emergency medical services to communicable disease control, we at Public Health have programs that are second to none," said Dr. Alonzo Plough, Director of Public Health - Seattle & King County. "Our staff and community partners work tirelessly to address disparities in diabetes, asthma, community-based clinical services, nutrition, HIV and STDs, youth health, breast and cervical health and more."
King County and Seattle join the National Public Health Association and thousands of agencies, communities, and individuals across the United States in celebration of this event. Internationally, the World Health Organization and the American Association for World Health have declared April 7 as World Health Day.
For examples of Public Health programs and partnerships addressing health disparities, visit:
