Governor Bob Riley has officially proclaimed April 2-8, 2007 National Public Health Week in Alabama. The Department of Human Resources encourages all Alabamians to prepare effectively for public health threats from bioterrorism, natural disasters, and disease outbreaks.
Despite growing threats and awareness campaigns, Americans remain largely unprepared for public health emergencies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and Hurricane Katrina. A September 2006 poll conducted by Marist College Institute for Public Opinion noted that only 31 percent of Americans have any emergency plans in place.
As part of the weeklong observance, communities across the state will explore ways to connect vulnerable populations with resources to help them prepare for health emergencies.
Public education efforts will include television talk show appearances, the distribution of public service announcements, web site postings, and encouragement of faith-based organizations to emphasize preparedness through church bulletins. A statewide emergency preparedness billboard campaign will be extended during the first week of April.
For more information on National Public Health Week 2007 may be found at http://www.nphw.org
Additional information on public health in Alabama is available at http://www.adph.org