Students at the Drexel University School of Public Health celebrated National Public Health Week (April 6 – 12, 2009) with a series of events across the Philadelphia community that spotlit this year's national theme, "Building a Foundation for a Healthy America." The activities were designed to educate communities on how to live healthier lifestyles and raise awareness about important public health concerns, such as hunger and healthcare disparities.
Dramatic achievements, such as the elimination of polio, fluoridation of drinking water and seatbelt laws, have significantly enhanced the public health’s over the last century. Yet, according to the American Public Health Association, America still ranks behind 46 other nations in life expectancy, and the death rate for key conditions, such as diabetes, is nearly eight times higher for ethnic minority populations than non-minority populations.
This year's National Public Health Week was designed to help raise awareness of ways to be healthy and build a strong public health infrastructure for future generations.
The Drexel University School of Public Health's activities to celebrate National Public Health Week this year included:
Wednesday, April 8, 6:30 PM
Free Screening of "Unnatural Causes" followed by a Panel Discussion
New College Building – Lecture Hall B
(245 N.15th St., Philadelphia, PA)
"Unnatural Causes" is a multi-part documentary produced by PBS that explores how one’s social, economic and physical environments, as well as genes, behavior and medical care, affect their longevity and health. It spotlights how wealth, race and other factors impact the health and wellness of communities across the nation. It uses compelling personal stories to illustrate how these factors contribute to health disparities and inequities nationwide, while also offering opportunities to help.
A panel discussion followed the film.
Thursday, April 9, 2:00 PM
ASPH-hosted Webinar on the "Certified in Public Health" Exam
Speaker: Molly Eggleston, MPH, CHES, CPH, Deputy Executive Director
National Board of Public Health Examiners
Ms. Eggleston presented on experiences with the inaugural public health exam and take questions on the upcoming exam (August 2009). Voluntary certification of public health alum builds consistent educational standards and fosters lifelong learning opportunities for Certified in Public Health professionals.
Friday, April 10, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Love Your Health Fair
JFK Plaza, Center City Philadelphia
Students from the School of Public Health provided free health information handouts, offered free blood pressure screenings and other health-related activities for the lunch-time crowd in Center City, Philadelphia.
Saturday, April 11, 9:30 AM
Hunger Walk – Sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger
Eakins Oval – Opposite the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 26th St. and the Parkway
A team of walkers from the School of Public Health participated in this annual event against hunger. Funds raised from the Walk Against Hunger are distributed to organizations throughout southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey that provide food and other services to families and individuals. Visit www.hungerwalk.org for more information.