April 3-9 is National Public Health Week and the Florida Department of Health in Pinellas County (DOH-Pinellas) is thanking its staff for all they do to protect the health of residents and visitors.

The week-long observance was created by the American Public Health Association (APHA) more than 20 years ago to educate the public about issues related to its annual theme. This year’s theme is “Healthiest Nation 2030,” which is part of its mission to make the United States the healthiest nation in the world in a single generation. NPHW is celebrated during the first full week of April each year.

Pinellas residents may not realize the many ways in which DOH-Pinellas protects their health. From inspecting public pools and beaches for harmful bacteria to providing immunizations and offering health services that save lives, it is the lead public-health agency in the county. During emergencies, DOH-Pinellas health professionals staff special needs shelters. Its epidemiologists investigate threats to health that included Zika in 2016 as well as other mosquito-borne illnesses and many infectious diseases. The staff investigates food-borne illnesses, inspects school cafeterias and licenses child-care homes and businesses, among many other responsibilities to ensure the public’s well-being.

For more information about National Public Health Week, please visit www.nphw.org. For more information about the different programs and services offered at DOH-Pinellas, go to www.PinellasHealth.com or call (727) 824-6900. Follow us on Twitter @HealthyPinellas.

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