City of Austin Celebrates National Public Health Week April 6 – 12

AUSTIN, Texas — The City of Austin and Austin Public Health are kicking off April by celebrating National Public Health Week. This annual awareness week recognizes the importance of public health and highlights the work done to make our community a healthier place for all.

Amidst funding disruptions, public health work is ever-evolving. Some services remain constant, including restaurant inspections, assistance at neighborhood centers, supporting families, and staying vigilant to combat outbreaks of new viruses. 

“National Public Health Week is a moment to recognize our staff and the programs that keep our community strong, but it’s also an invitation to get involved,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “Public health works best when our community is engaged. Visit our centers and clinics, see what we offer, and help us build a healthier Austin for everyone.” 

“Every day, our public health staff work to ensure Austin and Travis County remain healthy places for families to live, grow, and celebrate safely,” said Austin‑Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “They do this while confronting new challenges on an almost daily basis. I couldn’t be more grateful for the dedicated people who make our mission possible."

Are you in need of assistance? A complete list of our services, including diabetes care, testing for sexually transmitted infections, support for new mothers and their children and more, can be found here.

In the age of lack of access to healthcare, APH will hold the following preventative health screenings and events throughout the community to celebrate National Public Health Week:

Free Health Screenings

Health screenings by a registered nurse for diabetes and heart disease, blood pressure, blood sugar reading and cholesterol testing. 
 
Tuesday, April 7, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.  

• East Austin Neighborhood Center, 211 Comal St. Austin, TX 78702.

Wednesday, April 8, 9 – 11 a.m.

• St. John Community Center, 7500 Blessing Ave. Austin, TX 78752

• Montopolis Community Center, 1200 Montopolis Dr. Austin, TX 78741

Thursday, April 9, 9 - 11 a.m. 

• Dove Springs Neighborhood Center. 5811 Palo Blanco Ln., Austin, TX 78744 

• Gus Garcia Recreation Center, 1201 E Rundberg Ln. Austin, TX 78753

Black Maternal Health Fair: It’s a Birthing Thang

• Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

• ACC Eastview - African American Cultural Center 3401 Webberville Rd., Austin, TX 78702

Food Events

Tuesday, April 7

• Market Day -830 a.m.  South Austin Neighborhood Center and Blackland Neighborhood Center
• Fresh Food for Families - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. East Austin Neighborhood Center

Wednesday, April 8

• Health Options Program for the Elderly/ Fresh Food for Families - 9 a.m. Montopolis Community Center
• Market Day/ Health Options Program for the Elderly - 9 a.m. St. John Community Center

Thursday, April 9

• Health Options Program for the Elderly – 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. East Austin Neighborhood Center
• Market Day - 9 a.m. Dove Springs Neighborhood Center

National Public Health Week Key Topics

During each day of National Public Health Week, the American Public Health Association focuses on a particular public health topic. Then, we identify ways each of us can make a difference on that topic. These areas are critical to our future success in creating the healthiest nation, and everyone can do their part to help.

Ready. Set. ACTION! Government Partners

• Coordination is the backbone of clean water, safe food, disease prevention and emergency response. Good health doesn’t just happen; it’s built on a foundation of safety and sanitary laws enacted by governments to keep us all healthy. 

Ready. Set. ACTION! Scientific Advancement 

• Science delivered vaccines, sanitation, seatbelts and safer workplaces. Good health doesn’t just happen; the knowledge gained through science makes it possible.  Public health professionals help put science into action.

Ready. Set. ACTION! Community Leadership

• The air we breathe, the sidewalks we walk and parks we enjoy are not amenities but lifelines. Good health doesn’t just happen; communities set the stage to shape it. 

Ready. Set. ACTION! You Partner with Public Health

• Individuals shape outcomes through daily choices and collective advocacy. Good health doesn’t just happen; you help create it.