April 6 - 12 is National Public Health Week. This year marks the 20th anniversary of celebrating public health. There has been tremendous success in those 20 years with working together to achieve various public health goals. This year's theme is "Healthiest Nation 2030" an effort to make America the healthiest nation in one generation.
Currently, the US spends more on health care than any other comparable countries, but does not top the list for having the best health care system. We have top quality physicians, state-of-the-art hospitals and lead in advanced procedures and pharmaceuticals. Even though the US spends twice as much, we trail in life expectancy and other measures of good health.
The goal is a stronger public health system that supports healthy communities and move towards prevention. Although we spend the most on healthcare, only 3% is aimed toward prevention and public health. This is where National Public Health Week advocates for change.
There has been progress:
As of 2013
- Smoking has declined from 19.6% to 19% in the adult population
- Immunization coverage increased from 64% to 67.1% in adolescents
- Life expectancy has grown, but at a slower rate than other countries
- Heart Disease
- Obesity and Diabetes
- Chronic Lung Disease
- Disability
- Adolescent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases
- HIV and AIDS
- Drug related mortality
Mayers Memorial Hospital District
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