For the first time, Colorado State University, and specifically Colorado School of Public Health at CSU Student Council, is observing National Public Health Week.
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.
This year’s theme is especially relevant to the younger population, as it is titled “Create the healthiest nation in one generation!”
“This week is a reminder for students, faculty and staff to recognize the opportunities that we all have to make healthy choices and develop healthy habits; and to realize that we can all contribute to a healthy community now and in our futures,” said Laura Smith, president of the Colorado School of Public Health at CSU Student Council.
Schedule of activities
The Colorado SPH at CSU Student Council has organized activities throughout National Public Health Week.
“We want people to recognize what they can do for themselves by simply walking or biking to campus as opposed to driving; by packing a healthy, less wasteful lunch at home as opposed to buying lunch on campus every day; by keeping up to date on immunizations and screenings to avoid easily preventable negative health outcomes; and so on,” said Smith. “Public health also encompasses a significant range of topics, and we are trying to introduce a number of those so students can make connections to the ways in which public health fits into their current studies and future career aspirations.”
Below is a full schedule of activities:
This is public health
Monday, April 6
Visit the Monfort Quad between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn about public health, the Graduate Program in Public Health at CSU, and the other activities happening on campus as a part of National Public Health Week at CSU. There will be free giveaways!
Starting from zip
Tuesday, April 7
Check out our chalkboard community in the LSC display case near the Ramskeller all day to learn about health disparities in your hometown.
Building momentum
Wednesday, April 8
It’s Public Health Week at the Rec Center too! Be sure to attend a group fitness class on between 5 and 9 p.m. and stay active during National Public Health Week at CSU.
Building broader connections
Thursday, April 9
Hear what our local partners in public health are doing for the Fort Collins community in the East Plaza by the Lory Student Center. There will also be a free screening of the new documentary, “Someone You Love: The HPV Epidemic” in Behavioral Sciences Building Room 103 at 7 p.m.
Building on 20 years of success
Friday, April 10
Hear from alums and students of the CSU Graduate Program in Public Health and other public health professionals in our community at a panel discussion and networking event at noon in Clark A 205. There is limited capacity, so be sure to arrive early to secure a seat.
The week will wrap up with an open networking event with prize drawings in the Upper Room at The Mayor of Old Town from 2:30 to 4 p.m. on Friday.
