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Media Contact:
Lisa Cox
Chief, Office of Public Information
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
Lisa.Cox@health.mo.gov

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW), April 1-7, 2019, by highlighting the power of prevention, managing successful public health partnerships and championing the role of a strong public health system.

\"During the last 100 years, the average lifespan of Missourians has increased by 30 years, thanks partly due to state public health efforts,\" said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. \"We greatly appreciate the tireless work of our local health departments and public health leaders throughout the state who are working to improve both the quality and longevity of life for our citizens. These Missourians are the epitome of public service as they work to protect health and keep people safe in our state.\"

NPHW is celebrated each year during the first week of April. This year's state theme is Missouri's Call to Action: Public Health Matters.

Investing in prevention and public health can make an enormous difference and it plays a critical role in keeping individuals and communities healthy. Some of the greatest achievements of public health include vaccinations, safer work places, safer and healthier foods, control of infectious diseases, fluoridation of drinking water, public health preparedness and recognition of tobacco use as a health hazard.

Each day of NPHW 2019, DHSS will focus on a different public health topic to move Missouri forward in bettering the health of its citizens. Monday's theme is Infant, Child and Adolescent Health; Tuesday's theme is Opioids, Violence and Suicide Prevention; Wednesday's theme is Rural Health; Thursday's theme is Technology and Public Health; and Friday's theme is Maternal and Women's Health.

More information about NPHW 2019

About the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services: The department seeks to be the leader in protecting health and keeping people safe. More information about DHSS can be found at health.mo.gov or find us on Facebook and Twitter @HealthyLivingMo.