HARRISBURG – The Department of Health today kicked off National Public Health Week and urged Pennsylvanians to better educate themselves to prepare for any type of public health emergency — from a natural disaster to an outbreak of disease.
National Public Health Week is held annually during the first full week of April. This year’s theme is “Taking the First Step — Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation’s Vulnerable Populations.”
“Now is the time to start thinking about what you, your family and your community would do during a public health emergency or any disaster,” Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson said while launching the campaign at a Preparedness Expo here. “Preparation is especially important for people with special needs, mothers with small children, schools and older Pennsylvanians.
“Preparation begins just by assembling an emergency kit, making an emergency plan and staying informed.”
The Preparedness Expo featured information and displays from the Health Department and other state and local agencies on how to get ready for all types of emergencies. Sign language interpreters and CART services made presentations accessible to people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
Johnson also unveiled new public health preparedness initiatives: an updated version of the Pennsylvania Emergency Preparedness Guide; and the State Emergency Registry of Volunteers in Pennsylvania, a new Web- based tool for the advanced registration of emergency volunteers statewide.
After attending the Preparedness Expo, Johnson departed on the annual Public Health Week bus tour, which includes stops at several rural health initiatives and other events across the state.
For more information on Public Health Week in Pennsylvania and preparing for a public health emergency, visit www.health.state.pa.us or call 1- 877-PA-HEALTH.