BALTIMORE, MD— In honor of National Public Health Week, the Maryland Department of Health is celebrating Maryland’s public health workers and how their hard work in Maryland communities promotes wellbeing.

Public health work is essential to ensuring that everyone has access to essential health services and resources.

The Maryland Department of Health has partnered with numerous organizations to develop and deliver educational programs and resources to promote public awareness of the critical role that public health services play in connecting and protecting communities.

“We work in partnership with local health departments, community organizations and directly with residents statewide to ensure that Marylanders have access to health services they need,” said Health Secretary Dr. Laura Herrera Scott. “This April, we will highlight the important ways that public health impacts us all, from keeping our food and water safe to making sure our homes are healthy for our children.”

Events include a social media campaign to recognize and celebrate the contributions of public health workers, as well as a community walk for state employees to raise awareness about the importance of public health and wellness. The month also features discussion panels focused on key public health topics such as emergency preparedness, health literacy, and sexual and reproductive health.

By underscoring the crucial role of public health services in promoting and protecting the health of all Marylanders, officials say this week is an opportunity to strengthen the connections between public health and communities and to promote healthier and more resilient lives for all Maryland residents.

“I am grateful to lead a public health workforce that truly cares about what they do, helping the people of Maryland live healthier lives,” said Deputy Secretary for Public Health Services Dr. Nilesh Kalyanaraman. “Whether it’s helping provide maternal care for marginalized communities, or staying updated on our emergency preparedness for community safety, public health workers help us thrive.”

More in the video below.

Photo via the Maryland Department of Health

This article was written with the assistance of AI and reviewed by a human editor.