APHA’s National Public Health Week, which will be celebrated across the nation next week, will be a celebration of the public health workforce and its commitment to improving the health and well-being of all people.

NPHW 2026 will take place April 6-12. Its theme is “Ready. Set. Action!,” which supports a bold approach to improving health and wellness, meeting the moment with clarity and positivity, and engaging in collaboration and partnerships to make things happen, according to Michelle Loosli, MS, APHA’s director of Affiliate affairs.

“For the last century, scientists, governments and communities have worked together to help Americans make great strides to live longer, healthier lives,” Loosli told The Nation’s Health. “National Public Health Week reminds us that we must continue to work together to defend these gains and combat health disinformation, so that progress continues for every community.”

 The weeklong celebration is a shout-out to front-line workers, public health professionals, community leaders, academics, advocates, students and others who support public health. Hundreds of events across the country will address important topics, such as vaccine availability, behavioral health counseling and treatment, maternal care, improving preventive care, reducing violence and unhealthy habits, and making health care accessible for all.

To get inspired for their community, workplace or campus events, organizers can access free APHA resources such as graphics, fact sheets and logos on the NPHW website. Themed shareables are also available to help promote events. 

Participants can share their events by posting them on the NPHW calendar. Events being held across the country include yoga at the University of Buffalo in New York; a proclamation signing in Fort Sam Houston, Texas; a panel discussion on children's health in Los Angeles; and naloxone training in Adel, Iowa.

APHA is hosting several live events throughout the week. Monday's kickoff forum, to be held 2-4 p.m. Eastern time, will focus on  "Public Health in the Age of Deception: Confronting the Misinformation Crisis." Speakers will explore practical, evidence-based strategies for cutting through the noise, strengthening clear and transparent communication and helping communities spot credible information. The free event will be held live in Washington, D.C., and online.

 At 2-3 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday, APHA will host "Ready. Set. Action: Mayors Advancing Physical Activity, Mental Well-Being, and Social Connection," a webinar highlighting the successful Move with the Mayor program that is underway in communities across the U.S. And At 1 p.m. Thursday, the “Building Well-being, Promoting Community Life and Supporting Neighbors" webinar will explore how individuals and communities can nurture mental health and well-being.

Public health advocates are being called on to elevate public health online during NPHW's Flood the Feed event. On Wednesday, April 8, social media users are encouraged to post positive, action-oriented messages about public health across their accounts with the #NPHW hashtag to "flood the feed." Sample posts and images are available, including an easy make-your-own video tool.

APHA’s Keep It Moving Challenge continues through Sunday, involving hundreds of teams in a friendly competition centered on getting and staying active. More than 2,000 people are participating in this year's challenge.

For more information and to get involved, visit www.nphw.org. 

Photo by LeoPatrizi, courtesy iStockphoto