VIDOH Celebrates National Public Health Week

During the week of April 4th through 10th, the Virgin Islands Department
of Health (VIDOH) will celebrate National Public Health Week throughout the Territory. During this special week, Commissioner Justa Encarnacion invites Virgin Islanders to help celebrate and recognize the many achievements our public health professionals have accomplished over the past year.

VIDOH celebrates National Public Health Week. (Shutterstock)

“This year’s national theme truly says it all,” stated Encarnacion, “Public Health is Where You Are.” The theme, selected by the American Public Health Association (APHA), is intended to draw the public’s attention to the impact one’s physical location has on their personal health. As the APHA indicates it’s important to recognize that ‘The places where we are, physically, mentally and societally, affect our health and our lives.’

“For this reason,” said Encarnacion, “It’s critical to acknowledge the important role our Virgin Islands public health team plays in the overall health and wellbeing of the territory. These professionals are the ones who work proactively to identify and eliminate possible threats to our
individual and public health.”

“The combined efforts of the DOH’s 26 Divisions serve as a powerful safety net for all Virgin Islanders,” continued Commissioner Encarnacion, “I am so proud of the work this outstanding group of health professionals achieves each day. I ask the public to join me in recognizing their Herculean efforts by wishing the DOH team a Happy National Public Health Week.”