News Flash

National Public Health Week Proclamation 

Whereas, the week of April 7-13, 2025, is National Public Health Week, and this year's theme, "It Starts Here," highlights the importance of making a difference in our homes and communities; 

Whereas, this year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week, and over the past three decades, public health initiatives have led to significant advancements in health and well-being, including: 

1. HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment- Deaths due to HIV/AIDS, which peaked at 49,095 in 1994, have dropped significantly due to antiretroviral therapy, which allows most people with HIV to live normal lifespans, and prevention tools like PrEP that significantly reduce transmission.
2. Tobacco control - Smoking rates among U.S. adults, once as high as 25.5% in 1994, have now fallen to 11.4% thanks to comprehensive smoke-free policies, public awareness campaigns, and tobacco taxation.
3. Childhood mortality reduction - The childhood mortality rate has decreased from 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1994 to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, improved healthcare access, and better nutrition.
4. Lead poisoning prevention·- The percentage of U.S. children with elevated blood lead levels has dropped from 4.4% in 1994 to less than 0.5% due to policies eliminating leaded gasoline and reducing lead in paint, pipes, and water systems.
5. Mental health awareness and treatment - Have advanced significantly since 1994 when 40% of people with mental health conditions went untreated. Increased awareness, parity laws, and integration into primary care have expanded access to mental health services and helped reduce treatment gaps.
6. Health impacts from severe weather events - The health risks associated with flooding, extreme heat, and other severe weather events were largely unrecognized in 1994. Today, public health campaigns along with local and regional preparedness coalitions, play a critical role in helping communities mitigate risks, respond effectively, and recover more quickly.
7. Pandemic preparedness - Once in its infancy in 1994, pandemic preparedness has significantly advanced, leading to increased investments in public health infrastructure, strategic stockpiles, global surveillance, and scientific breakthroughs that must be sustained.
8. Vaccination progress - Immunization remains one of the most significant public health achievements, reducing cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from vaccine­ preventable diseases while lowering healthcare costs.

Whereas, bias-including but not limited to racism, xenophobia, transphobia, heterosexism, ableism, and sexism-is a public health crisis, and individuals who experience discrimination continue to face disparities in illness and mortality rates; Whereas, a person's health status can vary significantly based on ZIP code due to differences in the built environment, environmental quality, community resources, access to healthy food, education, and healthcare; 

Whereas, public health professionals collaborate across sectors-including with city planners, transportation officials, educators, and private businesses-recognizing that factors outside of traditional healthcare have a profound impact on health outcomes; Whereas, National Public Health Week serves as an opportunity to educate public policymakers, public health professionals, and the public on key health issues and the importance of strengthening public health infrastructure; 

Whereas, public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from a full range of health threats, from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disasters; 

Whereas, continued support for public health and prevention efforts is essential to transforming a healthcare system focused on treating illness into one that prioritizes disease prevention, health promotion, and long-term wellness; 

Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that the Black Hawk County Board of Supervisors supports the goals and ideals of National Public Health Week; and recognizes the efforts of local, state, and national public health professionals in protecting people from health hazards, promoting healthy behaviors, and preventing disease.