BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

CANTON — The theme for National Public Health Week in 2024 will be “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We are all Public Health.” 

Legislators made the proclamation during the April 1 full board meting, acknowledging the national week of recognition that runs from April 1-7. 

According to the county Public Health Department, rural communities face a range of health disparities, “from higher burdens of chronic disease to limited access to primary care and prevention services.” 

Officials say in comparison to individuals living in urban areas, rural Americans face a greater risk of death from the five leading causes of death, which includes heart disease, cancer, unintentional injure, chronic lower respirator disease and stroke. 

In celebration of National Public Health Week, county officials hope to celebrate the role of collaboration, cooperation and partnership in improving public health, officials say. 

The week of recognition will bring together public health workers, students, organizations and communities around the theme of “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving,” officials wrote. 

“Public Health is more than just health care; it includes making sure our neighborhoods and environments are free from pollution and our food and water are safe for consumption, and together we make a difference to the health of our community,” the resolution states. 

Throughout the week, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the U.S. to observe National Public Health Week “as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the health of our nation,” officials wrote.