Public Health Awareness: August 2010
Children's Eye Health and Safety Month:
For over 100 years, Prevent Blindness America has been working to educate communities about better eye health. The organization is focused around advocacy, research, training and community empowerment. This month, as kids get ready to get back into the classroom – it's a perfect time to make sure their vision is top notch. Here is a great resource for parents regarding their child's eye health. Prevent Blindness America is also on Facebook sharing community events and important information.
National Immunization Awareness Month:
According to the CDC, the aim of National Immunization Awareness Month is to increase awareness about immunizations across the life span, from infants to the elderly. Just like with Children's Eye Health month – this timing is perfect for kids going back to school to make sure they receive all their necessary vaccinations. I found a video that the CDC put together last year after talking with parents around the country, fielding questions on immunization:
National Health Center Week (August 8-14):
Local and community health centers play a vital role in delivery quality service to its members who are in need. Health Centers embody the essence of grassroots and hands-on action to make sure low income communities, homeless, uninsured and other undeserved groups get treatment. National Health Center Week 2010 celebrates 45 years of health centers in action. The theme of "Celebrating America's Health Centers: Turning the Vision into Reality" highlights the 45 year record of Health Centers in providing affordable, high quality, cost-effective health care to all people, regardless of ability to pay.
Here is a video I found highlighting the progress and importance of community health centers around the country, also made possible by the ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act):
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The ‘Public Health Awareness' segment is a recurring feature here on the Pulse + Signal blog where we highlight relevant public health focused observances (e.g. cancer awareness, heart disease awareness, etc). The purpose of this feature is to continue to spread the word around specific health awareness dates to spur increased understanding and prevention.