National Public Health Week Celebrates the Science of Improving the Health of People and Communities

April 7, 2025 

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​2025 marks 155 years since California established one of the nation’s first state public health departments

​​What You Need to Know: From April 7–11, CDPH is celebrating National Public Health Week and the department’s 155th year of protecting Californians through prevention, innovation and science. Public health plays a vital role in everyday life, and CDPH remains committed to promoting a healthier, safer California for all. ​

SACRAMENTO – A recognized leader in the science of improving the health of people and their communities, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week from April 7–11, reaffirming its commitment to protecting and improving the health of all Californians. This year’​s National Public Health Week theme, “It Starts Here,” highlights the critical role public health plays in shaping everyday life. ​

“For 155 years, our state public health department has helped keep Californians safe,” said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “Today, we work with a network of local health departments to help all Californians live healthier lives. From preventing the spread of infectious diseases to making sure our food is safe, public health is all around. Many now commonplace safeguards —seatbelts, vaccines, even basic sanitation measures—began as public health initiatives.” ​

Protecting Lives, Every Day: At its foundation, public health is about everyday prevention, and is most effective when combining science, education, policy, advocacy and innovation. When public health works as intended, its impact is often unnoticed. It can look like: 

• Everyday safety measures that prevent injury and save lives – Seatbelts, airbags and bike helmets all stem from public health efforts. Safe food that we purchase or eat in a restaurant are part of our work behind the scenes.
  

• Innovations and actions that prevent disease – From vaccinations, early detection systems and health screenings, to everyday actions like draining standing water and repairing window screens to control mosquitoes that carry deadly diseases. 

• Community well-be​​​​ing – Parks, sidewalks, water treatment facilities and even garbage collection are all public health advancements that promote a healthier society. ​
  

A Legacy of Science, Innovation and​​​ Prevention: Founded in 1870, California’s public health department is the second-oldest state public health agency in the United States. During the past 155 years, CDPH has led efforts to prevent and control infectious diseases, improve sanitation, promote child and maternal health, prevent chronic diseases and implement life-saving safety regulations. Public health policies and programs have added years to life expectancy, reduced infant mortality and eliminated diseases that once devastated communities. 

“Public health is everywhere, and its success is often silent,” said Dr. ​Pan. “When we do our job right, people can thrive—because they are already protected.”​

For National Public Health Week, CDPH recognizes the dedicated public health professionals working behind the scenes to keep communities safe and encourages all Californians to take a moment to appreciate the everyday benefits of public health. Working together, we can build a stronger, healthier California! 

Additional resources: A National Public Health Week toolkit with social media assets and more is available on the CDPH website. For more information on National Public Health Week, please visit NPWH.org. For more information about CDPHs’ mission, vision and strategic plan please visit About CDPH. ​