National Public Health Week

Public Health Achievements Over the Last 30 Years infographic

Infographic transcript: Public Health Achievements Over 30 Years

National Public Health Week begain in 1995 to raise awareness about public health'y critical role in improving American's lives. This year, the American Public Health Association celebrates the many significant strides in public health over the past three decades. Here are just a few!

Achievements By the Numbers

Decreased teen pregnancies = 899,000 per year then, 330,000 per year now
Decline in smoking rates = 47 million people smoked then, 25 million people smoke now
Increased breast cancer screenings = 29% of women screened then, 70% of women screened now
Decline in HIV deaths = 50,628 per year then, 19,310 per year now

Increased Awareness

Mental health = improved access to care, mandated insurance coverage, integration into primary care
Health equity = growing recognition among policymakers, health care professional, and communities that housing, education, and income greatly influence health outcomes
Climate & health advocacy = health considerations integrated into climate policies, interventions like cooling centers and vector-borne disease mitigation

Policy Game Changers

Affordable Care Act = expanded coverage to 35 million+, reduced disparities, enhanced consumer protections
LGBTQ+ equity = more inclusive health care policies, provider training, nondiscrimination protections
Modernized nutrition labels = provider more/clearer information, raise awareness about healthier habits

Innovations in Health Tech

Telemedicine
Wearable devices for health metrics
Waster water monitoring
AI-assisted diagnosis & surveillance
First-gen drugs & vaccines

From the American Public Health Association, March 2025

Our Mission

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Mission is to empower and educate families while promoting healthy living for the improvement of our communities.

Our Vision

Three Rivers Public Health Department's Vision is that in cooperation with our communities, we will always be compassionate and respectful in all of our public health endeavors.