April 8 - 13, 2019: Public Health Week

WHEREAS, everyone living in Michigan deserves to live a long and healthy life in a safe environment; and,

WHEREAS, to ensure this outcome, we must tackle the causes of poor health and disease risk among individuals and within our communities. Where we live, learn, work, worship, and play impacts each of us and can determine our health and life expectancy; and,

WHEREAS, public health professionals in Michigan work every day to ensure all residents can lead a healthy life, and communities have the tools, knowledge, and resources to make a difference, was well as work to ensure  individuals are empowered to take charge of their health through prevention of disease transmission and improved health equity in the community; and,

WHEREAS, the American Public Health Association has educated the public, policymakers, and public health officials on issues important to improving the public’s health through its sponsorship of National Public Health Week, since 1995; and,

WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, all Michigan residents and community based organizations, local health departments, religious communities, schools, civic groups, concerned citizens, and more to use this week to learn about how they can improve their personal wellness and their community’s health so Michigan can continue to become a healthier state;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 8-13, 2019, as Public Health Week in Michigan.