Jefferson County health officer to present annual public health address at UAB

Public Health Week kicks off at UAB with address from Jefferson County Health Department.

building community2The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Public Health hosts Jefferson County health officer Mark Wilson, M.D., as he presents the annual address on the health of Jefferson County on Monday, April 4, at 10 a.m. The presentation will take place at the UAB Hill Student Center second floor Ballroom D.

“Our community is faced with so many health challenges ranging from disease to smart health choices to terrorism,” said Max Michael, M.D., dean of the UAB School of Public Health. “It’s important to come together as a community to discuss the current state of public health and how we can work together to achieve more positive health outcomes.”

This year’s National Public Health Week, “Healthiest Nation 2030,” focuses on making the United States the healthiest nation as the next generation comes of age. Locally, the Jefferson County Department of Health is focusing on “Building a Healthier Community” as a part of the overall goal. 

Despite leading the world in medical care and technology, the United States lags behind many other countries in several key health indicators. Wilson’s presentation will localize what is being done in Jefferson County, focusing on the good things happening within the region and potential action items for the future.

This is a time of celebration for health departments across the nation. “I feel good about the direction we have taken with Public Health Week, inviting the community to open houses and having a little fun with it, as well as highlighting the good fortune we have to work alongside a variety of great partners to build a healthier community together,” Wilson said.

JCDH will honor The Freshwater Land Trust and REV Birmingham with 2016 Public Health Week Community Champion awards for their remarkable public health contributions to Jefferson County and its residents.

The UAB School of Public Health will host additional events across campus throughout the week to drive awareness of public health concerns. 

  • April 4