National Public Health Week

By virtue of the authority vested by the Constitution of Virginia in the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia, there is hereby officially recognized:

National Public Health Week

WHEREAS, since 1908, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has provided public health services to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, VDH is dedicated to protecting health and promoting the well-being of all people in Virginia by encouraging healthy lifestyle choices that help prevent chronic disease, educating the public about emergency preparedness and emerging health threats, and monitoring and responding to disease outbreaks across the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, VDH helps communities prevent, prepare for, withstand, and recover from a full range of public health events, including disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and emergencies caused by human activity; and

WHEREAS, VDH strives to deliver these services in the most inclusive and equitable manner possible, ensuring that all people in Virginia have access to prevention, treatment, and care; and

WHEREAS, this year's National Public Health Week theme, "Ready. Set. Action!", recognizes how public health has expanded lifespans, safeguarded families, and strengthened communities through VDH's collaboration with public and private partners to make Virginians healthier, stronger, and safer; and

WHEREAS, VDH's collaborative efforts with individuals, communities, healthcare providers, and policymakers support the Commonwealth's goal of becoming the healthiest state in the nation;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, do hereby recognize April 6-12, 2026, as NATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH WEEK in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and call upon the people of Virginia to observe this week by recognizing the contributions of scientists, public health professionals, community leaders, and policymakers who work to improve the health and longevity of our communities, and by encouraging continued action to promote health and well-being for all, in the spirit of this year's theme: "Ready. Set. Action!"