Rep. Roybal-Allard and Other Public Health Leaders Introduce National Public Health Week Resolutions

Press Release

Today, Congressional Public Health Caucus Co-Chair Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40) and her fellow co-chairs Congressmembers Kay Granger (TX-12), Gene Green (TX-29), Jim McGovern (MA-02), and Rob Wittman (VA-01) led the introduction of a resolution in the House of Representatives to recognize April 3rd through 9th as National Public Health Week 2017. They were joined by 15 other members as original co-sponsors of the House resolution. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) introduced a Senate version of the resolution.

Since 1995, National Public Health Week has been an occasion for public health organizations to promote awareness of the importance of public health and to build support for strategies to meet America's public health needs. The theme for this year's National Public Health Week is "Healthiest Nation 2030," emphasizing a goal of making America the healthiest nation in one generation. National Public Health Week is organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA).

"I am thrilled to join my fellow Public Health Caucus Co-Chairs, as well as Senator Udall, our other congressional partners, and the American Public Health Association, in championing the achievable goal of making America the healthiest nation in one generation," said Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, a member of the House Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Subcommittee, and a 2009 recipient of the APHA's Distinguished Public Health Legislator of the Year Award. "The National Public Health Week resolutions recognize the great need for America to invest in improving the health of all of our citizens and communities. Our public health professionals do so much to keep people healthy, including conducting scientific research, educating our communities about diseases, and vaccinating children and adults. To become the healthiest nation by 2030, we will need the help of our public health professionals as we work to promote optimal health, minimize health disparities, and prevent chronic conditions."

"An investment in our public health system is an investment in the future of our families, our communities and the prosperity of New Mexico and the country," said Senator Udall. "National Public Health Week brings attention to our biggest health challenges moving forward as a nation and promotes practical solutions to save lives and encourage smarter investments in our public health programs. As a nation, we have made many great achievements over the years, but we can all take steps to improve our health -- from taking up more active lifestyles to eating well -- to make the United States the healthiest nation in a generation."

"There has been plenty of evidence that outbreaks of diseases around the world can quickly cause health concerns in our country," said Congresswoman Granger. "Our public health system contributes to the safety and well-being of our citizens by keeping our communities informed of and prepared for potential risks. The Congressional Public Health Caucus encourages everyone to take part in Public Health Week 2017."

"Public health remains the bedrock of our well-being and quality of life," said Congressman Green. "We know from outbreaks like the Zika to the opioid epidemic, that robust and smart public health infrastructure has never been more vital. It is critical to helping people stay healthy, preventing chronic disease and lessening the incidences of preventable deaths though screenings, vaccines and life-style programs that support overall health and wellness. National Public Health Week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of public health investments and inform people about the importance of public health and encourage proactive behaviors."

"Supporting healthy communities starts with a strong investment in public health," said Congressman McGovern. "National Public Health Week is a great opportunity for us to recognize the incredible work done by our country's public health professionals and organizations. America's public health professionals are our first line of defense against the spread of disease. As the world becomes more interconnected and international travel becomes easier, there has never been a more important time to ensure that these organizations have the resources they need to keep our communities healthy and safe. I am proud to support this mission as a co-chair of the Public Health Caucus and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join us."

"Our public health challenges remain among the most important issues for Congress to address," said Congressman Wittman. "National Public Health Week is a critical time to raise awareness about how public health affects our communities and the urgent need to work together in a bipartisan way to advance policy solutions that reduce health care costs and increase access to care."

"We applaud Reps. Lucille Roybal-Allard, Rob Wittman, Gene Green, Kay Granger and Jim McGovern, along with Sen. Udall and the other cosponsors of the National Public Health Week resolutions for recognizing the essential role public health plays in improving the health of all Americans and the communities in which we live," said APHA Executive Director Georges C. Benjamin, MD. "We are grateful for their leadership and look forward to our continued collaboration in helping create the healthiest nation."