National Public Health Week highlights the importance of making a difference in home, communities and state

The Kauaʻi District Health Office will celebrate National Public Health Week by recognizing the consistent efforts of public health workers and encouraging the community to share the same commitment to health.

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Kauaʻi District Health Office is working to build a healthier Kauaʻi and will host a free open house to celebrate National Public Health Week from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, April 11.

While the community will have an opportunity to learn about public health services, programs, and job opportunities, there will also be activities and entertainment for all ages.

“National Public Health Week lets us share with the public the many programs and services that the Department of Health offers to enhance the well-being of our communities,” said Kauaʻi District Health Officer Dr. Janet Berreman. “When we understand and support public health, all of us — from keiki to kūpuna — can work together to create opportunities to be healthy and thrive.”

The event is centered around the National Public Health Week theme, “It Starts Here,” which highlights the importance of making a difference in our own homes, communities, and state.

Attendees can learn about careers in public health, and staff from various sectors of the Department of Health will be available to share their work and discuss how everyone can collaborate to address public health issues.

Staff on hand will include administrative staff members, environmental health specialists, public health nurses, health educators, mental health professionals, food safety inspectors, disabilities case managers, microbiologists, and others.

“This is a great opportunity for residents and community partners to learn more about the Department of Health’s public health programs while networking and enjoying interactive activities,” Berreman said.

The event is free and open to all, with no RSVP required at the Kauaʻi District Health Office at 3040 Umi St. in Līhuʻe.

For an auxiliary aid, service, or other accommodation due to a disability, contact the office at 808-241-3495 or ray.ho@doh.hawaii.gov as soon as possible. Requests made early will allow adequate time to fulfill them.

For more information, including language accessibility, please contact Acting Non-Discrimination Coordinator Valerie Kato at doh.nondiscrimination@doh.hawaii.gov or by phone at 808-586-4400. More information can be found on the Department of Health website.