Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week throughout April, coinciding with National Minority Health Month. The initiative aims to engage residents and raise awareness about public health's role in maintaining health and safety. The activities will showcase the functions of public health departments, their link to healthcare systems, and career opportunities in the field.

Governor JB Pritzker launched the observance with a video message: “I am especially proud that here in Illinois, IDPH is extending the celebration to last the full month of April,” Governor Pritzker said. “On this first day of April, the American Public Health Association is drawing attention to the intersection of civic engagement and public health.”

The month's activities include a daily audio series titled "Public Health History Minute" and a weekly podcast called "This is Public Health." The podcast features IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra discussing topics like “What a Healthy Illinois Looks Like” and “Moving Forward: Battling Disparities and Inequities in Public Health.” The audio series will highlight significant moments in Illinois' public health history.

A key event will be the 2024 Illinois Infectious Disease Conference on April 23-24 in Bloomington, themed "Emerging Stronger." It will feature over two dozen speakers, including Dr. Katelyn Jetelina and Heather Simpson.

“IDPH is excited to spotlight the stories of our communities and the public health heroes who protect and promote our health every day this month,” said Dr. Vohra. “As we commemorate National Minority Health Month...our goal is to raise awareness about the many ways our public health systems help our Illinois residents lead happy and healthy lives.”

National Minority Health Month highlights ongoing health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minorities. This year's theme emphasizes improving health outcomes through cultural knowledge and community-driven initiatives.

In Illinois, four out of ten residents belong to racial or ethnic minority groups, yet they face higher disease burdens such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke, HIV, substance abuse, infant mortality, and COVID-19 infection rates. IDPH collaborates with local health departments to address these disparities.

April also marks Black Maternal Health Week 2024 with its theme focusing on reproductive justice.

The daily audio series "Public Health History Minute" can be accessed via IDPH’s social media channels along with the podcast schedule:

- 4/1: Topic: “What a Healthy Illinois Looks Like”

- 4/8: Topic: Oral Health

- 4/15: Topic: “Maternal Health & Congenital Syphilis”

- 4/22: Topic: “Wastewater Surveillance & Public Health”

- 4/29: Topic: “Moving Forward: Battling Disparities and Inequities in Public Health”

IDPH encourages participation in National Minority Health Month and National Public Health Week for more information available on their platforms.