National Public Health Week celebrates “Cultures in Health” on Hawai‘i Island

The State of Hawai‘i Department of Heath and National Public Health Week 2023 are celebrating “Cultures in Health” during the week of Monday, April 3 through Sunday, April 9.

“Across the nation, there are more than 200,000 local and state public health professionals with various roles in protecting and improving the health and environment of all Americans,” said Hawai‘i District Health Officer John Kolman. “Our Hawai‘i District Health Offices represent just 100 of these dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to serve the island’s public health with more than 200,000 residents.

“We work in various settings, including disease prevention and investigation, laboratory, vector control, food safety, mental health service, maternal health service, and case management for individuals with a developmental disability,” Kolman continued.

The Hawai‘i District Health Office invites the public to open house celebrations on Tuesday, April 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Hawai‘i Civic Center at74-677 Kealakehe Parkway in Kailua-Kona, and Thursday, April 6, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilo State Building Lanai at 75 Aupuni Street in Hilo.

At these events, Department of Health staff will be available to talk about “a day in the life” of public health professionals. The public can learn about public health careers and educational opportunities, so students are especially encouraged to participate.

Department of Health staff on hand will include administrators and office workers, disabilities case managers, public health nurses, vector control workers, mental health professionals, food safety inspectors, disease investigators, epidemiologists, community health workers, microbiologists, mental health professionals and more.

Residents can learn about all the Department of Health programs and services, while enjoying games and live entertainment.

All are welcome, and attendance at these events is free.