Submitted to OnFocus – What is Public Health?
Public health protects and improves the health of entire populations in our community through a variety of strategies. Populations can be as small as a family or as large as an entire county. Public health connects all of us; we are all impacted by the health of our community members. A healthy county can only be achieved through the support, partnership, and involvement of its residents, faith-based organizations, elected officials, businesses, coalitions, health care organizations, school, and more. It is the mission of the Clark County Health Department (CCHD) to promote health, prevent disease, and protect community members through partnerships and population-based services.
During the first week of April each year, the American Public Health Association invites communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week. It is a time to recognize the contributions of public health, raise awareness about public health and prevention, and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health.
In support of Public Health Week, the CCHD recognizes individuals and/or organizations as recipients of the “Friend of Public Health” award. This year, the CCHD is proud to recognize both Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District and Greenwood Area Fire and Ambulance for their contributions to public health and prevention. Both of these organizations played a vital role in helping to plan, coordinate, and implement CCHD COVID-19 mass vaccination clinics in Clark County. Without their partnership and support, the success and efficiency of these clinics would not have been possible.
Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District and Greenwood Area Fire and Ambulance Contributions
- Week after week, Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District and Greenwood Area Fire and Ambulance have had both fire and emergency medical personnel volunteer their time to help facilitate clinics. Volunteers have assisted with traffic control, appointment verification, vaccine education, post-vaccination monitoring, and other essential duties.
- In the middle of winter, their dedication did not stop. Many graciously altered both their personal and professional schedules, even working extra hours at their current job, in order to attend clinics.
- Both entities invited the CCHD to set-up clinics within their facilities. During the harsh winter weather, this included frequent use of their garage doors, heat, electricity, restroom facilities, etc., while also volunteering staff to work outside.
For their selflessness and dedication, the CCHD recognizes Owen-Withee-Curtiss Fire District and Greenwood Area Fire and Ambulance as Friends of Public Health. The CCHD also wants to thank all of the organizations, coalitions, and community members who have contributed to promoting health in Clark County, including those who also helped plan, coordinate, and implement mass COVID-19 vaccination clinics.
To learn more about public health, contact the Clark County Health Department at (715)-743-5105, visit our website at www.clarkcounty.wi.gov/healthdepartment, or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/clarkcohealthdept.
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