Here are some ways others marked Public Health Thank You Day in previous years
In 2009, Research!America issued a statement in advance of Public Health Thank You Day, recognizing the nation's public health officials for keeping us safe from injury and protecting us from infectious diseases including the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu, chronic illnesses, pandemics and bioterrorism.
Public Health Thank You Day partner National Association of County and City Health Officials released the following statement, which you can use in our outreach and promotion:
"In every community nationwide, and for all people in those communities, local health departments and their staff seek health, equity, and well-being through public health policies and service. In this especially challenging time of epidemic and recession, the value of these departments and staff is demonstrated most visibly. The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), in partnership with Research!America, salutes the dedication of these frontline heroes whose work combats disease and improves the quality and length of all lives. Their work is good for everyone."
—Robert M. Pestronk, NACCHO executive director, and Bruce Dart, NACCHO president
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following statement, which you can also use in your Public Health Thank You Day outreach and promotion:
"Public Health Thank You Day is an excellent opportunity to recognize those who have committed their lives to promoting a long, productive and healthy life for all people. As there is greater focus on improving our health system, your hard work, expertise and dedication are critical and greatly appreciated. I am optimistic about our ability to preserve and protect the health and lives of Americans."
—Thomas R. Frieden, MD, MPH, Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The Campaign for Public Health Foundation issued the following statement:
The Campaign for Public Health Foundation is pleased to join our colleagues at Research!America in celebrating Public Health Thank You Day on November 23. The tireless work of public health officials to prevent disease, disability and death in our communities too often goes unnoticed. The CPH Foundation is pleased to take part in this important day and to recognize those public health workers who are dedicated to improving our nation's health.
Public Health Thank You Day brings to light the innovative and successful work public health officials have undertaken this year, despite massive budget shortfalls at local public health departments and agencies across the country. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our nation's premier health protection agency, is underfunded relative to its responsibilities to protect our nation from emerging and ongoing health threats. The underfunding of this critical agency has a particularly devastating impact locally, as nearly 70% of the CDC's budget is directed to state and local health departments for on-the-ground public health work throughout our country.
Karl Moeller, executive director of the Campaign for Public Health Foundation, stated, "Public health officials are doing incredible work and making enormous strides in improving our nation's health. The use of sound public health research has allowed for the development of effective, science-based public health programs in areas from chronic disease prevention to maternal and child health threats. Supporting these and other public health efforts with adequate funding must be a top priority."
The Campaign for Public Health Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization launched in 2009 to educate the public, the media, policy makers and others about the important role public health plays in our nation's health system.
Public Health Thank You Day Partner Association of Schools of Public Health issued the following statement, which you can use in your outreach and promotion:
"The Association of Schools of Public Health is grateful to have the opportunity on Public Health Thank You Day to join with other national organizations in recognition of our dedicated public health workforce. Public health advances in the 20th century have helped to increase the average lifespan of U.S. residents by more than 30 years and improved the quality of life around the world. The public health workforce has made all of this possible through practice, service, education and research. As valuable members of the workforce, faculty in accredited schools of public health, contribute to the scientific evidence base through their research activities and they are responsible for educating the workforce of the future. Our students are the future of public health. Their passion and dedication to making a difference in the lives of our families, communities, nation and world are an inspiration and demonstrate that public health is global and links us all."
—Dr. Harrison Spencer, President and CEO of ASPH
In celebrating Public Health Thank You Day, we share the following cartoon provided by the Colorado Health Foundation:
Research!America issued a statement that you can use in your outreach efforts.
Matthew Murguia, MPA, of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will thank all his FEDERAL public health colleagues who are tirelessly contributing to the health of America and the world!
The City of Nashua Division of Public Health and Community Services will organize a potluck luncheon for its entire division where we will all bring in a dish denoting our ethnic heritage to share with our co-workers. In this way, conversations are started, understanding and information is exchanged and a general feeling of good will is celebrated as we join together to appreciate and support one another as we all work toward the same goals in our Division.
Margaret Alvarez of the NYPD will acknowledge her husband's participation as an R.N. in mass prophylaxis for flu/pneumovax for New York City on Sat. Nov. 18 @ Roosevelt HS in the Bronx and as an active member of the Medical Reseve Corp.
The Sedgwick County (Kansas) Health Department is presenting Public Health Thank You Day plaques to Via Christi Health Network (non-profit hospitals), Wesley Medical Center (for profit hospital), Wichita Clinic (major physician group with multiple locations) and University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita thanking all these institutions for implementing no-smoking policies on all of their campuses, both indoors and out.
The Kentucky Public Health Association Student chapter will be handing out pen/highlighters/treats to individuals on campus that are in the Public Health Programs as well as people on campus that we catch adhering to the new smoking policies.
The Somerset (Md.) County Health Department's activities include:
- We have a big card for everyone!
The DeKalb County Board of Health (in Decatur, GA) 's activities include:
- Op-ed in local print media on the role of public health.
- Personal letter sent by health director to elected officials, community partners, faith based and school systems, thanking them for support of public health and includes latest 2005 BRFSS report and a special health promotion calendar.
- E-mail "thank you" to staff