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Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Kicks off 2019 National Public Health Week on April 1

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On Monday, April 1, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) will join public health departments across the nation to recognize the importance of ensuring that all residents have the opportunities and resources they need for optimal health and well-being during 2019 National Public Health Week. Public Health will kick off a week-long series of events to celebrate this year's Public Health Week from April 1 through April 5.

"These events represent crucial public health interventions for many residents including those with substance use disorders, those living in communities where violence is prevalent or where air quality is poor, and those who are at most risk for suffering serious consequences from disease," said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. "During April 1st through the 5th, we join health departments around the nation to recognize the importance of preventing disease and injury and promoting well-being."

Public Health's first event is the launching of the first of several stakeholder input sessions as part of the planned implementation of countywide CORE (Connecting to Opportunities for Recovery and Engagement) Centers, to address substance use disorders (SUD). The new CORE Centers will serve as hubs to connect residents to substance use prevention and treatment resources.

On Friday, April 5, Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas along with Public Health and community partners will unveil the Office of Violence Prevention (OVP) at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Public Health in Willowbrook. The OVP will launch the County's multidisciplinary effort to reduce violence and address trauma through local place-based strategies and system changes. The OVP will coordinate efforts, strengthen partnerships, and leverage expertise and resources to move LA County closer to preventing violence and building peace.

Other events scheduled for the week include an employee health expo to provide county employees with tools to support wellness, a flag program for students, parents and educators to learn about air quality and mitigating exposure to harmful toxins, an emergency and mental health awareness training event, a tuberculosis screening and treatment event, and a West Nile virus awareness event for adults over 50.

Highlights of the 2019 National Public Health Week in Los Angeles County include the following:

Monday, April 1, 2019

  • CORE Center Listening Session at the Wellness Center, LAC +USC Medical Center 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. 1200 N. State St., Los Angeles, CA 90033

Tuesday, April 2, 2019

  • LA County Employee Health and Wellness Expo. at Los Angeles Grand Park 11:00 a.m. – 2.00 p.m. 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90012

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

  • Launching of the Air Quality Flag Program at Wilmington Park Elementary School 8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. 1140 Mahar Ave., Wilmington, CA 90744

Thursday, April 4, 2019

  • Tuberculosis Screening and Treatment at Pathways to Home 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. 3804 Broadway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90037
  • Emergency Preparedness and Mental Health Awareness Event at Santa Monica City College 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 1900 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

Friday, April 5, 2018

  • Breakfast and Bingo: West Nile Virus Awareness at Joslyn Adult Center 8:30 a.m. – 11: 30 a.m. 1301 West Olive Ave., Burbank, CA 91506
  • Launch of the Office of Violence Prevention at MLK Center for Public Health 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 11833 S. Wilmington Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90059

For more information on Public Health Week and the events visit: http://ph.lacounty.gov/phweek/

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, please visit www.publichealth.lacounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/lapublichealthinstagram.com /lapublichealthfacebook.com/lapublichealth and youtube.com/Lapublichealth.