NPHW 2017: ‘Healthiest Nation 2030’

Walkable neighborhoods. Living wages. Equal education opportunities. Fresh, healthy food access. Lead-free housing and drinking water. Paid sick leave. Clean, breathable air.

What do these social, economic and environmental determinants have in common? They’re key levers in achieving the 2017 National Public Health Week theme of “Healthiest Nation 2030.” Next year’s NPHW observance, April 3-9, will build on last year’s efforts to create cross-sector partnerships toward healthier communities and educate local leaders and stakeholders about the value of considering health in all decisions. We’ll also be renewing APHA’s 1 Billion Steps Challenge, which officially kicks off on Jan. 9 and runs through the end of NPHW. During last year’s inaugural challenge, nearly 3,500 people signed up and walked a total of 681 million steps. Won’t you help us get to a cool 1 billion?

Of course, the best part of every NPHW is the many creative ways local supporters raise public health awareness at home. From free health screenings to art contests to advocacy days, NPHW celebrations pop up in communities across the country, educating residents and policymakers about the power of public health and prevention. With next year’s theme of “Healthiest Nation 2030,” we hope to bring even more people into our growing movement to create the healthiest nation in one generation — a movement we like to call Generation Public Health.

And even though we’re still in 2016, it’s never too early to start planning for NPHW 2017. So, visit the NPHW site and sign up to receive regular updates, download the NPHW 2017 brochure and share it with colleagues, and follow us on Twitter, @NPHW. If you’re in Denver for the APHA Annual Meeting, stop by the NPHW booth — booth 2216A — at the Public Health Expo.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your NPHW 2017 event, check out what your fellow public health supporters planned in 2016 at The Nation’s Health.