Commissioner Juthani's Health Equity and National Public Health Week message

Dear Colleagues,

April in Connecticut brings warmer weather and springtime beauty. For public health professionals, April is also an important time when we recognize Health Equity Week and National Public Health Week.

The first full week of April is now recognized in statute as Health Equity Week in Connecticut. This time reaffirms our state’s commitment to eliminating health inequities and ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

Within the many priorities that we focus on at state, local, and non-profit public health agencies — chronic health conditions, infectious diseases, the health effects of climate change, lead poisoning prevention, and many more — one common denominator is the need to consider current and historical inequities and how these challenges affect the health of individuals and communities. As public health professionals, we must all be committed to changing the systems that have contributed to health disparities and continue to tackle public health challenges through a health equity lens.

National Public Health Week is also observed across the country during the first week of April. National Public Health Week recognizes the contributions of public health professionals and highlights issues that are important to improving our nation's health.

This year’s theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” Being a public health professional is a true calling, and during National Public Health Week, I invite us all to celebrate the great work we do to protect the residents of Connecticut from disease, injury, and other public health threats.

On behalf of Governor Ned Lamont and the entire Administration, I offer my gratitude during this Health Equity Week and National Public Health Week to our entire state, local, and non-profit public health workforce. Your commitment to eliminating health disparities and watching over the health of our communities is greatly appreciated, and it is an honor for me to serve with all of you.


Sincerely,
Commissioner Juthani