National Public Health Week
Join us in Celebrating National Public Health Week, April 6 - 12, 2026
Ready. Set. Action! is this year’s theme. As we celebrate, take a moment to recognize how public health has improved our daily lives, safeguarded our families, expanded our life spans, and strengthened our communities. This week is also a chance to honor the public health workers who show up for us every day — and to advocate for policies and practices that promote good health for all.
For more than 150 years, public health has reshaped what’s possible in the United States — adding decades to life expectancy and dramatically improving quality of life. These achievements didn’t happen by accident. They were the result of community health workers, medical professionals, scientists and advocates pushing for policies grounded in evidence and focused on equity.
Yet too often, these once-unimaginable gains are taken for granted. National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2026 invites all Americans to renew their commitment to strengthening the systems, science, and community partnerships that keep us healthy.
This year’s theme — Ready. Set. Action! — calls on each of us to look back at the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future. Because one truth guides it all:
Good health doesn’t just happen.
Check back often for new tools, stories, and ways to get involved throughout NPHW 2026.
Last year’s 30th Anniversary NPHW Forum, held on April 7, 2025, is well worth a rewatch. Joel Bervell, MD — social media’s “Medical Mythbuster” — joined public health leaders to tackle misinformation and discuss the path ahead for public health.
And that was just the beginning. Our partners hosted 300 events nationwide — a 163% increase from the previous year — amplifying the collective power of public health across the country.
What is NPHW?
Every April, APHA brings communities nationwide together to celebrate National Public Health Week — a time to honor the contributions of public health and shine a light on the issues shaping the health of our nation.
As the organizer for more than 30 years, APHA creates each year’s theme and develops toolkits, resources, events and educational materials to help the public, policymakers and health professionals take action. These resources extend beyond the week itself, supporting public health engagement year-round.
Have questions? Email us!
About APHA
The American Public Health Association (APHA) champions the health of all communities, strengthens the public health profession, and advances science-based, equitable health policies.
For 150 years, APHA has led the way — connecting a broad network of professionals, shaping federal health policy and providing trusted, evidence-based information. APHA publishes the American Journal of Public Health, produces The Nation’s Health newspaper, and hosts the APHA Annual Meeting, one of the nation’s largest gatherings of public health professionals.
Campaigns like Get Ready and National Public Health Week reflect APHA’s commitment to creating the healthiest nation.