Statement from Mary Woolley, president, Research!America
"We ask all Americans to join us in celebrating Public Health Thank You Day 2006 on November 20, the Monday of Thanksgiving week.
"Last year, Research!America, the American Public Health Association, Association of Schools of Public Health, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the National Association of County & City Health Officials launched the nation's first Public Health Thank You Day as a coordinated way to salute the people who bring the benefits of health to all Americans every day. These often unsung heroes include nurses, doctors and those working behind the scenes: lab workers, administrative professionals and all who keep our water clean, our food safe and our bodies healthy.
"Americans know how important public health is to their communities. In a 2006 poll commissioned by Research!America, 79% of Americans said they support increased federal funding for state and local health departments, the very heroes Public Health Thank You Day was created to honor. The contribution of research, which provides the foundation for effective public health services, cannot be underestimated. We encourage all Americans to join us in thanking their state and local public health heroes."
# # #