Public health is more than just health care. It's the steps we take to make sure our neighborhoods and environment are free from pollution. It's making sure our food and water are safe to eat and drink. It's also the relationships we foster in our communities. We're all interconnected. When we all come together to support public health, all of us — individuals, families, communities and the public health field — can achieve the goals of public health.
The University of Kentucky's College of Public Health is proud to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) from April 1-7, 2024, with a series of fun and informative events, service activities, and more that promote public health's passion, purpose, and pathway for a healthier life!
Public Health Parade: Help us kick off National Public Health Week as we walk across campus to celebrate Public Health and 20 years of the College of Public Health!
Location: Start at College of Public Health, Research Facility #1 and finish at the W.T. Young Library
Time: 12:15 gather; 12:30 p.m. to start
"How to be a Public Health Advocate": Shelley Hearne, DrPH, strengthens public health’s ability to effectively engage in policymaking and advocacy for the healthiest, safest, most equitable living environments. At Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, she is the Deans Sommer and Klag Distinguished Professor of the Practice and Director of Lerner Center for Health Advocacy.
The presentation also features examples in practice, including from Scott Lockard, MSW, CSW, who is the Public Health Director for the Kentucky River District Health Department. There will be time for questions.
The first 100 students will receive Dr. Hearne's book. The presentation is courtesy of the endowed chair in Rural Health Policy at the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky
Location: W.T. Young Library Auditorium (Virtual: Click here for Zoom)
Entering from the University Dr entrance of Young Library: immediate right after the double set of doors. Entering from the Rose St entrance of Young Library: cross the lobby towards the University Dr entrance, through the security gates, the auditorium is located on the left side.
Time: 1 p.m.
National Public Health Week/College of Public Health Reception: Immediately following Dr. Hearne's presentation.
Location: W.T. Young Alumni Gallery
Big Blue Pantry Supply Drive: The College of Public Health is partnering with the Big Blue Pantry on a donation event to help put a dent in student food insecurity. The Pantry assisted over 800 students last year and is on track to pass that number this year. Their shelves consistently need to be restocked.
Donation boxes will be available at Research Facility #1 and the SEAS Suite in the College of Nursing (Suite 613) throughout the week.
For the Pantry's Amazon Wish List and other ways to give back, visit https://studentsuccess.uky.edu/tracs/donations.
DUE TO WEATHER, 4 PAWS AND THE SCOTT LOCKARD PRESENTATION HAVE BEEN POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE.
4 Paws For Ability: Unwind with some furry friends in the University’s 4Paws program.
Time: Postponed to Monday, April 8 from 12-2PM in Research Facility #1, Room 120
NOTE: For those unable to attend 4 Paws, we have several live animal cameras that can be enjoyed: San Diego Zoo; Smithsonian Zoo; Monterey Bay Aquarium; Service Puppies; and Various Animal Live Stream Cameras.
Preventing and Addressing ACEs: Public Health in Practice: Scott Lockard, MSW, CSW, has served as the Public Health Director for the Kentucky River District Health Department since January of 2018. Prior to coming to KY River District, he served as the Director of the Clark County Health Department for 12 years. He has over 33 years of experience in public health and will be speaking on preventing and addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
NPHW Making Spaces Inclusive & Accessible: A Conversation on Intellectual Disability & Equity: Join National Public Health Week's live conversation that will explore the unique needs and obstacles related to equity for students and members of the workforce living with intellectual disabilities.
Location: Online, registration required here.
Time: 2-3 p.m. ET
NPHW Gun Violence Prevention Webinar: This National Public Health Week webinar will explore evidence-based approaches to prevent gun violence through the lens of public health initiatives.
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m. ET
NPHW Early-Career Professionals Panel: Hear early-career professionals talk at this National Public Health Week panel about navigating the transition from public health student to public health professional and what they have learned along the way.
Time: 5-6 p.m. ET
Virtual Wellness Wednesday: The College of Public Health invites the CPH community to participate in "Practical Approaches to Self-Care" with Rhonda Henry, LCSW from UK HR. Participants will learn about the dimensions of wellness and various practical ways to approach self-care. Participants also will begin developing their own personal self-care plan.
Location: Zoom
Time: 9 a.m.-10 a.m.
Wellness Wednesday: The College of Public Health invites all CPH students, faculty, and staff to embark on a fun and education journey on their health with our faculty and staff. Students will receive a passport to visit each department. If students complete all activities, they will get a free CPH reusable water bottle (for students only).
Location: College of Public Health, Research Facility #1
Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (stop by anytime)
Mindfulness Bottles, Rm. 118-120 (Health, Behavior, & Society)
Build a Public Health System, Rm. 105 (Health Management & Policy)
"Working on YOU", Rm. 204, (Practice and Workforce Development /IPHC)
BiostatZen: Coloring for Relaxation, Rm. 102 (Biostatistics)
Ace Your Day: 2-Min Moves for Mind & Body Boost!, Room 214 (Epidemiology & Environmental Health)
NOTE: For those unable to attend in person, we have several self-care/wellness videos: Chair Yoga; Becoming Wildly Resilient Practice: Mindful Self-Compassion Podcast Episode; and Becoming Wildly Resilient Meditation: Completing the Stress Cycle.
NPHW Climate Advocacy Webinar: Join this National Public Health Week webinar on climate advocacy for public health professionals in collaboration with ecoAmerica and Health Care Without Harm. Free continuing education credits!
Time: 1-2 p.m. ET
#NPHWChat, 2-3 p.m. ET, on X and Threads
It's the biggest public health conversation of the year! Join us for an hour of collaboration and conversation with hundreds of public health organizations and leaders.
NPHW President's Fireside Chat: Join APHA President Ella Greene-Moton in this National Public Health Week conversation with NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson as they talk about the importance of community, connections and getting into the "E-Zone."
Time: 4-5 p.m. ET
Wyatt Symposium: The John P. Wyatt, M.D. Environment & Health Symposium honors the legacy of Dr. John P. Wyatt and his pioneering environmental clinical research on air pollution and lung pathology. Universities and agencies from across the state have partnered to present research and practice on environment and its impacts on health with specific emphasis on Kentucky.
Location: Rosenberg College of Law Grand Courtroom In-Person or Online (via Zoom)
Time: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
More information: https://www.research.uky.edu/john-p-wyatt-symposium/2024
NPHW Continuing Education Classes: Thursday is Public Health Workforce Day, a time to honor the hard work and commitment of those who have dedicated their lives and careers to protecting the public's health. In celebration, APHA will be offering free continuing education credit webinars to support growth in the field.
Extreme Heat: 1-2 p.m. ET
Introduction to the Public Health AmeriCorps Program: 3-4 p.m. ET
The All of Us Research Program and Public Health: 5-6 p.m. ET
To sign up for the classes, registration is required here.
Building a Hopeful Future Together: Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky Virtual Presentation: Kendra Stooksbury, the Resilient Connections Coordinator at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, is hosting the Lean On Me Kentucky training. This training focuses on recognizing and reporting abuse, and features neglect training. Through her role at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, Kendra collaborates with statewide partners, provides trainings to stakeholders, and serves as a Board Member for the Kentucky Purple Star Program. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky where she also completed the Public Child Welfare Certification Program. Prior to employment at Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, she was employed with the Department for Community Based Services as an investigator for over three years. She is currently completing her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky and is set to graduate in Spring 2024.
Time: 10-10:30 a.m.
As part of the presentation, attendees can take the Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky oath. Then, they can visit Research Facility #1 (throughout the next week) to sign the Prevent Child Abuse banner and take a pinwheel.
LOCATION: CPH Research Facility #1, Room 120
Time: 12-2PM
For a full listing of the APHA's National Public Health Week events, click here.
