FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2015

SEMINOLE COUNTY CELEBRATES NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK

SANFORD - The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County (DOH-Seminole) is celebrating and observing the week of April 6-12, 2015, as National Public Health Week (NPHW). Residents, patients and the public are invited to join the department during this week to learn more about health services and resources available in the community.

“Seminole County is committed to the health of the community, and National Public Health Week is an opportunity to educate about what public health does for the county and our impact on the well-being of the residents and visitors. We continue helping create awareness of chronic diseases, protecting people while they are on the move, and focused on empowering a healthy community,” said Dr. Swannie Jett, health officer of the Florida Department of Health in Seminole County.

National Public Health Week celebration, this year with the theme Healthiest Nation 2030, is a week dedicated to raising awareness and knowledge about public health and includes exhibits, education, screenings, resources and more.
DOH-Seminole is kicking off NPHW with the inaugural Health and Wellness Fair sponsored by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. on Saturday, April 4, 2015 from 11am. to 2pm at the health department located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford. Attendees can enjoy free health screenings, health information, healthy snacks, healthy samplings, a kid’s zone, and fun activities such as face painting, a hula hoop contest, Zumba, Yoga, Martial Arts and much more.

The week continues with a series of free events open to the public. Visit www.seminolecohealth.com for a complete schedule of events.

• Monday, April 6th – Donate blood at the blood mobile from 11am to 4pm. A hyperthermia display will be on site all week showing the temperature of the inside of a vehicle creating awareness of leaving children and pets in vehicles. The exhibit and blood mobile will be at the Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford.

• Tuesday April 7th – Free confidential HIV/STD testing, 8:30am to11:30am, and 1:30pm to3:30pm. Come view “Raising of America,” a documentary premier and public campaign that explores how a strong start for all our kids can lead to a healthier, stronger and more equitable America. Film showings will be on the hour with the last showing at 4pm. Testing and movie premier will take place at the Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford.

• Wednesday, April 8th - Nutrition Education Display and free items from 9am to 4pm at the entrance of the Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford.

• Thursday, April 9th - 2015 Annual Baby Shower & Educational Seminar at the Lake Mary Events Center, 260 N. Country Club Road, from 9:00am to 3:00pm and free confidential HIV/STD testing from 8:30am to11:30am, and 1:30pm to3:30pm at the Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford.

• Friday, April 10th – Public Health Professionals display “Pinwheels for Prevention” which raise awareness on child abuse. The pinwheels can be seen at the Department of Health in Seminole County located at 400 West Airport Boulevard in Sanford

The week celebrations will culminate with the Live, Work, Move Seminole 5K and Health Expo event on Saturday, April 11, 2015 starting at 8:00am at the Sanford Riverwalk/Fort Mellon Park located at 600 E. 1st Street in Sanford. All finishers will receive a commemorative finisher’s medal, t-shirt, back pack and opportunity to participate in yearlong health challenges, free health screenings and educational materials to stay healthy and make Seminole County the healthiest county in Florida! The race costs $25 and the health and fitness expo is free. Walk/Runners can register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Sanford/LIVEWORKMOVESEMINOLE5KRunWalk

In its 20th year, National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), seeks to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving public health. National Public Health Week was established in 1995 as a way to recognize the contributions of public health workers and the services they provide.

The Florida Department of Health in Seminole County joins other health departments and public health workers across the country for this annual recognition. Join us as we work together to create a safer and healthier nation.

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