AUSTIN, Texas – 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week – a compassionate reminder that caring for our community’s health is a 24/7 job – and we shouldn’t wait for the next emergency to appreciate it.
Even without a headline-making emergency, Austin Public Health (APH) is on the job day in and day out. As the state addresses a current measles outbreak, supporting your public health team now, during a post-pandemic calm, means a stronger, more resilient Austin when the next crisis inevitably arrives.
“Public health encompasses our daily lives. Think restaurant inspections, vaccination clinics, keeping an eye on disease outbreaks, providing housing and food assistance referrals, and preventing overdoses – all the unglamorous but vital work that keeps our city safe and healthy behind the scenes. These everyday services often go unnoticed, but they’re exactly what prevents small problems from snowballing into crises. Public health is inherently crosscutting – strengthening even one area (say, better disease tracking or immunizations) ends up strengthening the whole system,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes. “This is why we recognize National Public Health Week. I want to thank all of the programs under our department that make Austin and Travis County a healthy place to live.”
2024 APH highlights include:
- Processed approximately 151,000 lab reports.
- Issued 29,899 birth and death certificates.
- Nurses supported 996 families with a newborn.
- Women, Infants and Children clinics served 31,000 clients.
- Shots for Tots and Big Shots immunized 30,551 children and 7,936 adults.
- The Sexual Health Clinic scheduled 11,000+ appointments.
Join APH at City Hall on Thursday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., starting with a proclamation provided by Council Member Vanessa Fuentez. APH programs will be present to inform the public on vital services. Come out and meet your APH family.
“As we celebrate National Public Health Week by recognizing our staff and programs, I also encourage our community to participate in this week with us,” said Austin Public Health Director Adrienne Sturrup. “I invite everyone to learn more about all the services we have to offer, get the help you need, and celebrate making Austin a healthier place for all.”
APH will also be holding the following events throughout the community to celebrate National Public Health Week:
“Did You Know?” A Virtual Community Conversation on Mental Wellness
Free Health Screenings
Health screenings by a registered nurse for diabetes and heart disease, blood pressure, blood sugar reading and cholesterol testing.
East Austin Neighborhood Center
Dove Springs Neighborhood Center
Consulate of Mexico
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Friday, April 11, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
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5202 E. Ben White Blvd., #150, Austin, TX 78741
Black Maternal Health Fair: It’s a Birthing Thang
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Saturday, April 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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ACC Eastview – African American Cultural Center 3401 Webberville Rd., Austin, TX 78702
Are you interested in what APH has to offer? 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.
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.
NPHW 2025 PRIORITY AREAS AND FACT SHEETS