Public Health Thank You Day

On the Monday before Thanksgiving, Research!America and leading public health organizations take the time to say “thank you” to our public health workforce who labor tirelessly every day to protect us from disease, injury, and other health threats. From the ordinary to the extraordinary, these heroes keep our drinking water clean, our communities healthy, and our children safe. The sheer number and complexity of public health challenges confronting our nation and the global community (the need to prepare for future pandemics; health worker burnout and resignation; dwindling trust in science and public health advice; and AMR among others) have only reinforced the tremendous value of the public health workforce.The dedication of these individuals cannot be overstated.

The public – including every one of us – plays an essential role as well. Our nation’s ability to live healthier, longer, and more productive lives rests on our collective commitment to supporting public health initiatives and the individuals who carry them out. 

As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in expressing our gratitude for all of those who work tirelessly every day to protect the health of all people and communities.

Join us on  Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn using the hashtag #PHTYD.

Tune in to an alliance discussion on Public Health Thank You Day featuring Sarah Despres, Counselor for Public Health and Science at The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
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What is Public Health?

Public health is the field of science concerned with improving the health of populations. It encompasses everything from research into diseases to preventing injury and promoting healthy lifestyles to detecting and controlling outbreaks. Examples of public health work include anti-smoking campaigns, the development of vaccines against polio, and pinpointing the source of food-borne illness outbreaks. Learn more about the work we’re doing around public health.

“Our public health system is the lifeblood of our nation. COVID-19 brought this into stark focus, shining a bright light on our public health workforce. Those in public health deploy their expertise and commitment each and every day to secure safer, healthier, and stronger communities. On November 22 and always, I encourage Americans to take time to thank the public health workforce for their tireless and essential service in every state, county, city, town and tribal community across the country,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

“During the most challenging health crisis of our time, public health scientists, staff, and clinicians have been at the forefront of research programs and implementation of public health strategies to improve minority health and reduce health disparities. We recognize and appreciate their sacrifice and diligence in helping all communities!” said Eliseo J. Pérez-Stable, MD, Director of the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).