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JEFFERSON CITY, MO - The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) by highlighting the power of prevention, advocating for healthy and fair policies, sharing strategies for successful 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, in part, to state public health efforts,\" said Dr. Randall Williams, DHSS Director. \"We greatly appreciate the tireless work of our local health departments and leaders in public health throughout the state who are working to improve both the quality and longevity of life for our citizens.\"

National Public Health Week (NPHW) is celebrated the first week of April each year. This year's state theme is Healthy Missouri 2030: Be an Advocate for Public Health.

Investing in prevention and public health can make an enormous difference and 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.

\"We are encouraging everyone across the state to engage with their communities about the role each of us can play in protecting health and keeping people safe,\" said Dr. Williams. \"Where we live, learn, work, worship and play impacts our health and our opportunities. With that in mind, we can create a healthier population if we work together.\"

Each day of NPHW 2018 will focus on a different public health topic to move Missouri forward in bettering the health of its citizens. Monday's theme is Behavioral Health; Tuesday's theme is Communicable Diseases; Wednesday's theme is Environmental Health; Thursday's theme is Injury and Violence Prevention; and Friday's theme is Ensuring the Right to Health.

You can find more information about NPHW 2018 at http://health.mo.gov/information/nphw/.

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.