April 7-13, 2024: Public Health Week

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

WHEREAS, this year’s theme for National Public Health Week, “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health” has been adopted as the theme for Public Health Week in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, we learn from the communities we’re born in and that we build together. We look to community leaders as our health champions; we celebrate the unique and joyful ways different cultures focus on health and we can learn from each other with humility and openness; understanding the cultures in our communities helps us reduce health disparities; and,

WHEREAS, local health departments, tribal organizations, and community educators have been collaborating with state and federal agencies to strengthen the public health system in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan’s public health system incorporates and relies on a broad array of partners to be successful at the local and state level, including individuals and community organizations recognized this week as Hometown Health Heroes; and,

WHEREAS, during this week, we join with the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership, universities, local health departments, health systems, and community-based organizations in expressing our deep appreciation for the contributions of public health professionals and our Hometown Health Heroes who promote and protect the health of Michigan residents and make Michigan a healthier state for all; and,

WHEREAS, on the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Hometown Health Hero awards, we join with the Michigan Public Health Week Partnership in honoring the 2024 Hometown Health Hero and Jean Chabut Health Policy Champion award winners for their significant contributions to improving the health of their communities; and,

WHEREAS, these award winners demonstrate that Michigan’s public health system relies on a broad array of partners to be successful at the local and state level;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 7 - 13, 2024, as Public Health Week in Michigan.