Contact:

Mirna Chamorro

Mirna.chamorro@flhealth.gov

407-665-3374

Sanford, FL - This week, April 4-9, the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is acknowledging and celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW). NPHW presents an opportunity for communities to reflect on the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our health. This year’s NPHW theme is Public Health is Where You Are.

Among the week’s activities, DOH-Seminole is hosting a Maternal & Infant Health in Black and Brown Communities event on Saturday, April 9^th from 10:30am to 1:30pm. at the Sanford Civic Center located at 401 E. Seminole Boulevard, Sanford, Florida 32771. Attendees can listen to speakers, participate in fun activities, learn about community resources and win prices. To register please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/black-and-brown-maternal-week-event-tickets- 293229024907  or seminole.floridahealth.gov under events. For more information call 407-665-3033.

Public health professionals across Seminole County make it their life’s work to help people and communities stay healthy, from better maternal and child health to improvements in disease control and prevention, addressing environmental concerns and emergency preparedness.

“Public Health is essential in our daily lives. The health and wellbeing of residents and visitors is impacted by what each person does and where they are. The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County staff are committed to reaching communities where they are through outreach, education, clinical services, disease investigation and many other essential services to protect communities and ensure a healthy future in Seminole County,” said Donna Walsh, health officer for the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

Below are some activities taking place during NPHW:

• Every Tuesday and Thursday in April there will be free confidential STD testing from 8:30am to11:00am, and 1:30pm to 3:30pm at DOH-Seminole’s Health Clinic located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford. For more information call 407-665-3216
• Friday, April 8^th, art students from Hagerty High School will display their creativity at the DOH-Seminole Wellness trail and sidewalks through chalk art from 9:00-10:00am.
• Friday, April 8^th, DOH-Seminole will host guests for the Innovation & Wellness Tour from 10:00-11:00am. The tour will feature the new wellness trail, Wellness Corner and InnoLab. These three additions will enhance services, promote healthy behaviors and improve quality and performance management. The wellness trail provides another resource for the community to stay active, and the Wellness Corner is a health educational and informational resource. The InnoLab is a safe space for staff and the community to collaboratively create and test innovative ideas that improve systems, address social determinants of health, and resolve public health challenges by enhancing the creative potential of all.

To learn more about NPHW and how you can get involved, visit https://www.nphw.org.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter at @HealthyFla. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.