Public health professionals across the nation will celebrate 30 years of National Public Health Week this month.

NPHW offers public health supporters an opportunity to lift up public health in communities, campuses, workplaces and beyond. NPHW 2025’s theme is “It Starts Here,” a nod to the importance of beginnings, of laying a foundation and taking action in public health, according to organizers.

“Public health is the foundation of our communities, shaping every aspect of our lives and well-being,” Michelle Loosli, MS, APHA’s director of Affiliate affairs and NPHW lead, told The Nation’s Health. “By fostering a deeper appreciation for its integral role, we strengthen our collective commitment to building healthier futures.”

The weeklong APHA event, April 7-13, brings together front-line workers, public health professionals, community leaders, students and others interested in support of public health work, such as improving vaccine uptake, increasing life expectancy and providing accessible health care to all. Hundreds of events are expected to be held across the U.S. from coast to coast and beyond.

Events will cover a wide range of topics through a variety of formats. Last year, in Texas, organizers created a winning combination by bringing together the arts and health sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health in San Antonio. In Ohio, a ballroom dance for older adults was so fun and successful, a dance redux is planned for NPHW 2025.

This year’s observance also celebrates 30 years of public health progress in the U.S. Among the notable achievements over the past three decades are cleaner air, safer water, better road safety, HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention, climate advocacy, the Affordable Care Act, and the national rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Since APHA started leading NPHW in 1995, the event has grown from a smattering of events in a few locations to a nationwide celebration in all 50 states and beyond.

Organizers can access free APHA resources such as graphics, fact sheets and logos, on the event website.

Themed shareables are also available. For example, an “Advocacy Starts Here” graphic encourages people to join local efforts, speak up on issues and celebrate community advocates. “Health Equity Starts Here” highlights the importance of voting for health equity, engaging in dialogue and championing access to care.
NPHW 2025 features five pillars of public health around which participants can develop events: making public health a priority, championing climate resilience, advancing health equity, strengthening the public health workforce and amplifying voices for public health advocacy.

Participants can share their events with others by posting them on the NPHW calendar. Organizers can gain inspiration for their own local events by seeing what others are doing.

APHA will offer free online events that all can attend throughout the celebration. Monday, April 7, will feature a forum hosted by APHA President Deanna Wathington, MD, with panels on combating misinformation and exploring the successes and challenges of the past three decades. Scheduled panelists include Joel Bervell, MSMS, a medical student who is known as the “Medical Mythbuster” for his viral social media content that targets racial disparities in health care, the hidden history of medicine and overlooked biases in the health industry.

Here are more APHA webinar events throughout the week:

Tuesday, 2-3 p.m., “Protecting the Public’s Health: Safeguarding Rights for People with Disabilities”

Wednesday, 2-3 p.m., BlueSky Chat; 4-5 p.m., “The Future of Public Health: Voices from the Next Generation”

Thursday, 3-4 p.m., “Power in Partnership: Advocacy for a Healthier Future”; 5:30-8:30 p.m. Trivia Night

Friday, 2-3 p.m., “Building Resilience to Climate Trauma: A Public Health Approach to Mental Well-Being” 

“As public health continues to evolve, the challenges of the next three decades will demand innovative solutions built on the successes and lessons of the past,” Loosli said. “To navigate these obstacles, public health leaders must enhance public and science communication.”

APHA’s Keep It Moving Challenge continues through NPHW, with over 3,000 people nationwide getting taking part. Don’t forget to access the chat function, playlist and in-app yoga.

Photo by FG Trade, iStockphoto