Peoria – During April 1-7, 2013, the Peoria City/County Health Department will recognize National Public Health Week. This week is an opportunity to share public health protection programs that address health and safety to improve the health of residents in Peoria County.

“Public health departments contribute to the overall health of our community through our many health protection and prevention programs,” says Greg Chance, Administrator, Peoria City/County Health Department. “While health care providers treat patients one at a time, local health departments protect the health of entire communities. Local health departments keep food safe, detect and stop outbreaks of disease, and help create conditions that support people to make healthier choices in diet, exercise, and tobacco use.”

Health Protection programs promote healthy conditions to reduce the risks of communicable disease. Routine inspections of food establishments promote better food safety practices. Promoting home safety programs helps reduce exposure to lead hazards that affect children’s health. Providing immunizations, along with monitoring and investigating infectious diseases, protects the public from contagious disease outbreaks.

Public Health programs also promote good oral health through our dental clinic services, provide education on good nutrition in our Child & Family division, and support tobacco-free lifestyles through community collaborations.

For more information about Peoria City/County Health Department and public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org.