National Public Health Week
Every April, communities across the United States come together to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW), a time to recognize the essential role public health plays in keeping people safe, healthy, and connected. Hosted annually by the American Public Health Association (APHA), NPHW highlights the people, policies, and progress driving healthier communities.
ASPPH joins the celebration each year with webinars, community engagement, social media campaigns, and public awareness efforts that showcase the impact of academic public health and its role in shaping the future of the field.
Why Public Health Matters
Public health is all around us, even when we don’t notice it. It protects our families, strengthens our communities, and prevents disease before it starts. From clean water and vaccinations to emergency preparedness and health education, public health works every day to improve the quality of life and extend life expectancy.
It also addresses the conditions that shape our health, where we live, learn, work, and play by promoting safer environments, advancing health equity, and ensuring access to essential services. Whether responding to emerging threats, supporting mental health, or reducing chronic disease, public health professionals are constantly working behind the scenes to keep communities healthy and resilient.
Investing in public health means investing in a stronger, more prepared future for everyone.
What Happens During NPHW
Across the country, organizations, schools, and health departments participate by:
• Hosting community events and educational programs
• Sharing daily public health themes and stories
• Engaging in social media campaigns and awareness challenges
• Highlighting public health professionals and their impact
• Promoting tools and resources for healthier living
2026 ASPPH National Public Health Week Theme:
Shaping the Future of Academic Public Health
We asked out academic public health community what inspired them to pursue a career in public health.
We explored how AI is shaping the future of academic public health and how we must shape it in return.
Get Involved
There are many ways to take part in National Public Health Week:
Join
local or virtual events
Share
Participate
in awareness challenges
Learn
about key public health issues in your community
Advocate
for policies that support health equity and prevention