Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is set to observe "30 Days of Public Health" for a second year throughout April. Announcing the celebration, Governor JB Pritzker shared a video message that highlights the state's "Public Health Heroes". This month-long initiative extends beyond National Public Health Week, which is scheduled for April 7-13, and aligns with National Minority Health Month.

Governor Pritzker emphasized the importance of the month, stating, "National Public Health Week is always one of the weeks in April, but in Illinois, we’ve started a new tradition: we celebrate public health all month long, because seven days just isn’t enough. When it comes to highlighting all the great things our ‘Public Health Heroes’ accomplish throughout the year, we need all 30 days."

A central part of the observance is an IDPH Job Fair on April 23 in Springfield. The fair aims to present various career opportunities in public health, encompassing roles in laboratories, disease surveillance, and food safety.

IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, "‘30 Days of Public Health’ is back for Year two, and IDPH is more excited than ever to share stories throughout April of the public health heroes in our communities working to protect your health today and prepare you for tomorrow."

The activities planned for the month include collaboration with local health departments and educational institutions. Among the events is the Illinois Infectious Disease Conference in Champaign on April 15-16. The conference aims to foster understanding and collaboration in infectious diseases, featuring keynote speakers such as Dr. Tania Bubb, Dr. Paul Offit, and Dr. Brad Nieder.

IDPH will also feature daily audio series and podcast episodes to commemorate major moments in Illinois’s public health history and ongoing efforts to overcome health disparities, particularly those impacting racial and ethnic minority populations.

Governor Pritzker and IDPH have prioritized addressing racial health disparities, including ongoing efforts through the Birth Equity Initiative to improve Black maternal health outcomes. This commitment aligns with themes observed in Black Maternal Health Week, celebrated from April 11-17, titled: "Healing Legacies: Strengthening Black Maternal Health Through Collective Action and Advocacy."

The IDPH encourages public participation and engagement through various social media platforms where the "Public Health History Minute" and "This is Public Health" podcast will be accessible.