Modified: April 3, 2017 5:01pm
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PRESS RELEASE
From the Office of the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gale R. Burstein
Date: April 3, 2017
CONTACT: Mary C. St. Mary/Mary.StMary@Erie.Gov
Phone: 716.858.4941/ Mobile: 716.253.3925
Erie County Celebrates National Public Health Week
Recognition for Unsung Heroes who Keep Our Community Safe!
ERIE COUNTY, NY— Each year, National Public Health Week (“NPHW”), April 3-9, 2017, helps to educate communities and raise awareness about the important preventive role that local public health departments play in keeping residents healthier and more informed about public health issues. It is a time to recognize the contributions of public health professionals and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health and wellbeing.
In addition, public health departments promote a health care system that values prevention as much as treatment. Public health professionals and organizations are key to empowering people to participate in the public health system at all levels to improve the health and wellness of the whole community.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and having access to health insurance are critical components toward reaching a goal of a healthier Erie County. However, we also know that they are only part of a much bigger picture. A growing body of research informs us that social and environmental determinants — such as education, income, housing, food security, and childhood trauma — not only shape people’s risk of disease and poor health throughout their lifetimes, but help shape the risk of disease and poor health into the next generation.
“Every year in the United States, seven out of 10 deaths are due to preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Chronic diseases actually account for an astounding 75 percent of national health care costs,” said Dr. Gale Burstein, Erie County Commissioner of Health. “Fortunately, we know that investments in prevention and public health can make an enormous difference. National Public Health Week helps educate and engage Erie County residents in the movement to create a healthier community today and for generations to come.”
“We are extremely fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced team of professionals at the ECDOH under the leadership of Dr. Burstein. They never lose sight of their goal to serve the Erie County residents and to help everyone live healthier lives,” stated Mark C. Poloncarz, Erie County Executive.
This year, Erie County is invited to “Get to Know Us!” Each day this week, a separate ECDOH program or service will be highlighted on the ECDOH Facebook page and on our website, www.erie.gov/health. The spotlight will be on 7 of the lesser recognized services, such as onsite wastewater treatment systems (septic systems) inspections and the Family Planning Center located at 608 William Street in Buffalo. Here is the schedule for Erie County’s recognition of the Department of Health this week:
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For More Information:
Erie County Department of Health