WHEREAS, The theme is “Ready. Set. Action!” highlighting that public health actions occurring through scientific discoveries, legislation
,
and community initiatives have significantly improved the health of all Americans; and
WHEREAS, Since the inception of National Public Health Week in 1994, significant strides have been made with many successes and achievements; and
WHEREAS, Childhood mortality, which was at a rate of 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1994, has now fallen to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, better health care access and nutrition; and
WHEREAS, Smoking rates, which were as high as 25.5% among U.S. adults in 1994, have now fallen to 11.4 % due to comprehensive smoke-free policies, public awareness campaigns and taxation of tobacco products; and
WHEREAS, Deaths due to HIV/AIDS, which peaked in 1994 at 49,095 AIDS-related deaths that year in the U.S., have dropped significantly with antiretroviral therapy ensuring most people with HIV can live normal lifespans and prevention tools like PrEP significantly reduce transmission; and
WHEREAS, Mental health awareness and treatment, with 40% of people with mental health conditions being untreated in 1994, has progressed with increased awareness, parity laws and integration into primary care, which have expanded access to mental health services and reduced treatment gaps; and
WHEREAS, Public health organizations use National Public Health Week to educate public policymakers, public health professionals and the public on issues that are important to improving the health of the people of the United States; and
WHEREAS, Public health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disaster preparedness; and
WHEREAS, Efforts to adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury and promoting wellness; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, Hereby honors and recognizes April 6 through April 12, 2026, as National Public Health Week.
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