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Recognizing April 7-13, 2025 as Public Health Week in Hennepin County - offered by Commissioner Conley
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Resolution:
WHEREAS, the week of April 7-April 13, 2025 is National Public Health Week and the theme is “It Starts Here” highlighting the importance of us making a difference in our community, home and state, celebrating the efforts of public health staff and partner organizations, and encouraging continuous improvement for the future; and
WHEREAS, this year is the 30th anniversary of celebrating National Public Health Week, and in the past 30 years significant strides have been made in public health, including the following public health successes:
1. deaths due to HIV/AIDS, which peaked in 1994 at 49,095 AIDS-related deaths that year in the U.S., have dropped significantly with Antiretroviral therapy ensuring most people with HIV can live normal lifespans and prevention tools like PrEP significantly reduce transmission;
2. smoking rates, which were as high as 25.5% among U.S. adults in 1994, have now fallen to 11.4 % due to comprehensive smoke-free policies, public awareness campaigns, and taxation of tobacco products;
3. childhood mortality, which was at a rate of 13.8 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1994, has now fallen to 5.4 deaths per 1,000 live births due to vaccines, better healthcare access and nutrition;
4. mental health awareness and treatment, with 40% of people with mental health conditions being untreated in 1994, has progressed with increased awareness, parity laws and integration into primary care, which have expanded access to mental health services and reduced treatment gaps;
5. lead poisoning, with 4.4% of U.S. children having elevated blood lead levels in 1994, has now fallen to less than 0.5% due to policies banning leaded gasoline and reducing lead in paint, pipes, and water systems;
6. health impacts of climate change such as rising heat-related deaths were under-recognized in 1994, but are now being mitigated by actions such as public health campaigns, local adaptation plans including cooling centers and other preparedness plans to protect the public from extreme weather, wildfires and other regional threats and global frameworks like the Paris Agreement;
7. pandemic preparedness, which was in its infancy in 1994, has now grown, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, spurring significant advancements in mRNA technology, global vaccine deployment, and increased investments in infrastructure, stockpiles and global surveillance - all of which must be sustained.
WHEREAS, Hennepin County Public Health recognizes racism as public health crisis, and has committed to reducing health disparities and advancing health equity; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County Public Health envisions a community where all people are healthy, all people are valued, and all people thrive; and
WHEREAS, Hennepin County Public Health professionals help communities prevent, prepare for, withstand and recover from the impact of a full range of health threats, ranging from infectious disease outbreaks to natural disaster preparedness; and
WHEREAS, efforts to adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury and promoting wellness.
WHEREAS, engaging with the community for shared decision-making centers Hennepin County Public Health’s strategy to enhance the health of county residents through a disparity reduction lens.
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners declares the week of April 7 - April 13, 2025, as Public Health Week in Hennepin County; in recognition of the efforts and impact of Hennepin County Public Health, it’s staff and its partners in progressing the health of our community.
Recommendation from County Administrator: Recommend Approval