For Immediate Release
March 31, 2006

Contact: Tricia Arcelona
 (714) 834-2178

Public Health Week Highlights Orange County’s Public Health

(Santa Ana) –  Because of public health and the vital role of public health workers, Orange County residents now enjoy better health, live in healthier conditions, know more about how to take care of their health, and live longer than at any time in the past. Public Health Week, April 3-9, is a nationwide health promotion focusing on the many public health programs and services that protect community health, prevent the spread of disease, keep the environment safe, promote healthy behaviors, prevent injuries, assure quality health care and respond to disasters.

“National Public Health Week provides an excellent opportunity to highlight and commend the exemplary efforts of public health professionals in Orange County who protect, promote and enhance the health of our community,” said Dr. Hildy Meyers, Acting Health Officer.

This year’s Public Health Week theme is “Designing Healthy Communities: Raising Healthy Kids,” and some of the activities planned to commemorate Public Health Week include:

• Public Health Week Kick-off event – Including presentation of a resolution from the Board of Supervisors. Speakers include State Public Health Officer Dr. Mark Horton and HCA Director Julie Poulson; April 3, 11 a.m. to 12 noon; Health Care Agency, 1725 W. 17th St., Santa Ana.
• Car Seat Check-Up; April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Brea Community Center, 695 E. Madison Way, Brea. By appointment only, call (714) 834-3059
• Childhood Injury and Safety Health Fair; April 4, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Babies “R” Us, 2575 E. Imperial Hwy., Brea. (714) 667-8336
• Kids Challenge: Steps to a Healthier You Event; Free pedometers for children, Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations, health information and much more; April 5, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tustin Certified Farmers Market, corner of El Camino Real and 3rd St.; April 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive; April 7, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Laguna Hills Mall Parking Lot, 5 Fwy. and El Toro Rd. (714) 834-4429
• Gerald Wagner Health Education Award, award for health care professionals in the community who demonstrate exceptional commitment to health education and service, April 11. (714) 834-4429

For more information about Public Health Week and a listing of additional events, visit the Health Care Agency’s Public Health Week webpage at www.ochealthinfo.com/public/phweek.

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