LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX—The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) is celebrating National Public Health Week to highlight “A Healthier America Begins Today; Join the Movement!”

Public Health through federal, state and local public health departments, is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) to highlight what health departments do every day.

“We provide disease control, conduct preventive care, promote wellness and respond to biological events to protect and safeguard the wellbeing of all Laredoans,” said Dr. Hector F. Gonzalez, Director for the CLHD. In addition, a stellar activity of public health is to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving the public’s health.

For Laredo and Webb County, where 40% of the population is uninsured and another 25% is on public assistance, the CLHD also provides primary and chronic disease care and partners with many local public and private providers to assure preventive and acute care services.

“The City of Laredo wants to take this opportunity to congratulate our health department staff for their dedication in prevention and care,” said City of Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas, who later this week will read a proclamation for Public Health Week. “We are proud of all public health actions such as safe food, safe drinking water, little to no communicable diseases, excellent surveillance and early detection and protection and I am proud of our City of Laredo Health Department for taking the lead, and all of the wonderful doctors, nurses and clinics who also help to serve those in our community. These are all public health actions that make our communities safe and help us live a healthier life,” Salinas added.

This year’s NPHW theme focuses on early detection, chronic disease prevention, basic public health (hand washing), tobacco cessation, mental health and suicide prevention. Other areas where Public Health Policy has made a difference is in monitoring disease trends and emerging issues to develop protection and prevention measures.  Some critically important polices that enable better and healthier lives is accident prevention, car seats, food safety, sanitation and infection control, to name a few actions.

To join the movement toward a healthier America and a healthier Laredo, Mayor Salinas will read a proclamation this Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 9:00 a.m. at the CLHD Canopy. The public is invited to attend and come visit with the booths highlighting the different City of Laredo Health Department Programs. In addition, use this week to visit the department to get better acquainted with public health, , in addition to thanking the staff as well as all the many partners in the public and private sectors.

For more information on National Public Health Week, please call the City of Laredo Heath Department at (956) 795-4951 or (956) 795-4918.