Hawaii County is joining Hawaii District Health Offices of the state Department of Health to celebrate National Public Health Week today through Sunday, April 9.
The county is supporting two DOH open houses where residents are invited and encouraged to engage with various DOH program representatives and other local organizations providing public health services.
The open houses are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the West Hawaii Civic Center located at 74-5044 Ane Keohokalole Hwy in Kailua-Kona, and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Hilo State Office Building located at 75 Aupuni St. in Hilo.
The celebration “recognizes the community’s progress through the global COVID-19 crisis, as the country is set to end its federal Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023,” according to a county press release. “Despite the challenges faced, communities across Hawaii Island were able to maintain one of the lowest COVID-19-related death rates in the nation. At the same time, existing health disparities in the community were clearly highlighted throughout.”
“Throughout the pandemic, we have learned that we are much stronger when we encourage and selflessly support one another,” said Mayor Mitch Roth in the press release. “As we officially move forward from the Public Health Emergency, our county will continue to focus on communities to protect, prioritize and influence the future of public health.”
”Our Hawaii District Health Offices represent just 100 dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to serve the island’s public health with over 200,000 residents,” Hawaii District Health Officer John Kolman said in the release. “We work in various settings including disease prevention and investigation, laboratory, vector control, food safety, mental health service, maternal health service, and case management for individuals with a developmental disability.
“Our work is extremely challenging if we don’t have the community’s support. We are grateful for the partnership with health care providers, volunteers, community-based organizations, businesses and residents.”
