Press Releases
04/04/2023
Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani wishes DPH staff a happy Health Equity and National Public Health Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 3, 2023
CONTACT: Chris Boyle—Director of Communications
(860) 706-9654 – christopher.boyle@ct.gov
HARTFORD, Conn.—Connecticut Department of Public Health employee message by Commissioner
Manisha Juthani, MD
Dear Colleagues,
While we are in the midst of the spring holiday season, this is a special and often overlooked time of the year for public health professionals. April 2 – 8 is Health Equity Week, and April 3 – 9 is National Public Health Week.In Connecticut, the first full week of April is now recognized in statute as Health Equity Week which reaffirms the state’s commitment to eliminating health inequities and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health. Health equity is an overarching goal in all the work we do at the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Achieving this goal requires ongoing efforts to:
- Address historical and contemporary injustices
- Overcome economic, social, and other obstacles to health and health care
- Eliminate preventable health disparities
At DPH, we are committed to changing the systems that have resulted in racial and ethnic health disparities. I am grateful to see that this mindset is woven into the DPH culture. Access to safe and quality health care is a right—not a privilege.
Simultaneously, National Public Health Week is observed across the country from April 3 – 9, recognizing the contributions of public health professionals and highlighting issues that are important to improving our nation's health. This year’s theme is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health” to ensure everyone, in all cultural communities, has a chance at a long and healthy life.
Please take a step back and reflect on the tireless work you do every day to protect us from disease, injury, and other health threats. All of you help to keep our drinking water clean, our communities healthy, and our children safe. The sheer number of challenges confronting our state reinforces the value of what you bring to our public health workforce.
And there is no better time to celebrate your contributions as we approach the ending of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency in May. You play an essential role in ensuring the health and wellness needs of the residents of Connecticut.
Wishing you a happy Health Equity Week and happy National Public Health Week. Your commitment to eliminating health disparities and watching over the health of our communities is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Commissioner Juthani
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