Sacramento County is celebrating National Public Health Week. The theme is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health". Every day, Sacramento County Public Health workers support Sacramento's diverse cultures and make our communities healthier.
National Public Health Week takes place from April 3 – 9 this year. Each day of National Public Health Week has a theme.
- Monday: Community
- Tuesday: Violence Prevention
- Wednesday: Reproductive and Sexual Health
- Thursday: Mental Health
- Friday: Rural Health
- Saturday: Accessibility
- Sunday: Food and Nutrition
Sacramento County has several programs that encompass one or more of the National Public Health Week themes.
Community:
The Community Nursing Program helps underserved communities by providing in-home health support to families in need. The Black Infant Health Program also serves communities in need. The Black Infant Health Program supports African American women as they transition into motherhood.
“During the COVID pandemic, Public Health staff worked closely with the community to bring services such as testing, vaccination and wrap-around services to those impacted. We now need to continue working with the community to address health disparities and help the community to heal," said County Public Health Officer, Dr. Olivia Kasirye.
Reproductive and Sexual Health:
The Sexual Health Promotion Unit focuses on reducing the stigma of sexuality and empowering people to take care of their sexual health. Sacramento County Public Health works with community-based organizations to reduce barriers to sexual health education, testing and accessing treatment through clinic and mobile services.
“Our operating values are to reduce the stigma of sexuality, empower individuals to be in control of their sexual health and well-being, and to provide non-judgmental, client-centered services that ensure health and racial equity. Our work acknowledges and is informed by the lived experiences of these individuals and communities and are sensitive to the historical discrimination, stigmatization, marginalization, and generational trauma many of them have experienced. We endeavor to eliminate any and all barriers to accessing education, treatment, and services that support achieving optimal sexual health regardless of one's identity, background or life circumstances," said Sacramento County Health Program Manager Staci Syas. Find out more about the services provided by the Sexual Health Promotion Unit.
Mental Health:
Sacramento County's Mental Health Services provide an array of services to people of all ages. Trauma-related resources are available through those programs. Mental Health has become top of mind for many since the start of the pandemic.
“Now more than ever, as we're coming out of a pandemic, everyone recognizes the importance of Behavioral Health and Wellness. This is important on an individual level for each one of us and our families, and this is also an important public health issue for our communities," said Behavioral Health Director Ryan Quist. You can find out more about mental and behavioral health services.
Food and Nutrition:
You can find educational materials about healthy foods and tips on how to become more active.
There are many other services offered through the Sacramento County Department of Public Health. If you would like to learn more about the programs mentioned or other services, go to the Public Health website.