The Florida Department of Health in Orange County (DOH-Orange) will officially kick off National Public Health Week (NPHW) this weekend with its 9^th AnnualLet’s Move 5K Walk and Health Fair. Families, clients and the public are invited to join the department during this coming week to learn more about the important role public health plays in the lives of our community.

The week long observance begins this Saturday, April 4, 2015 at Barnett Park, 4801 W. Colonial Drive, Orlando for the free Let’s Move 5K Walk and Health Fair and supports the State Surgeon General’s “Healthiest Weight” initiative. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. 

In addition to the 3.1 mile route there will be a one mile route for senior adults and children. The 5K Walk and Health Fair will also include free health screenings, health information, healthy snacks, healthy samplings, a kid’s zone, and fun activities such as a hula hoop contest, Zumba, and much more.

During this week DOH-Orange will also be honoring outstanding community leaders and health department staff as 2015 Public Health Heroes. The recognition ceremony will take place, Tuesday, April 7, 2015 starting at 10 am at the department of health administrative building located at 6101 Lake Ellenor Dr. Orlando, FL 32809. During the ceremony we will be celebrating these Public Health Heroes for their many accomplishments in the community and in the area of public health. In addition, the 2015 Alfred L. Bookhardt, MD Award for Health Equity will be presented to recognize an Orange County physician for their dedication and commitment to increasing access to health care. 

“National Public Health Week is an excellent opportunity to learn about the contributions of public health and join exceptional leaders in their public health efforts. The value of public health is all around us. It’s in the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we all live, work and play. It’s in thousands of people whose lives are saved by seat belts and children protected from diseases through vaccination,” said Lesli Ahonkhai, assistant director of the Florida Department of Health in Orange County. 

In its 20th year, National Public Health Week, sponsored by the American Public Health Association (APHA), seeks to educate the public, policy-makers, and public health professionals about issues important to improving public health. National Public Health Week was established in 1995 as a way to recognize the contributions of public health workers and the services they provide.

The Florida Department of Health in Orange County joins other health departments and public health workers across the country for this annual recognition. Join us as we work together to create a safer and healthier nation.   

The video from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains how this trend, if it continues will impact the health of this nation. In addition, we have provided a newsletter highlighting just a few of the issues, topics and programs and activities that we provide to the residents and visitors in Orange County.

• Florida Department of Health in Orange County Public Health Week 2015 Newsletter (PDF 1.7MB)