The Future of Public Health
Today is World Health Day, and Day 7 of National Public Health Week!
April 1-7 is National Public Health Week 2024. This year’s Public Health Week theme is, “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” Every day during Public Health Week, we share an inspiring story that shines a light on a community health program or initiative aligning with APHA’s theme of the day.
Today’s theme is The Future of Public Health.
“My Healthy Acadia envisions and enables a healthy future,” Katie Freedman, Community Health and Food Programs Director
Healthy Acadia is thrilled to be partnering with the University of New England to serve as Eastern Maine’s Area Health Education Center (AHEC), covering Washington, Hancock, Knox, and Waldo counties. Additional centers are located in Northern Maine, Western Maine, and at UNE’s Maine Program Office.
“My Healthy Acadia is mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.”
Maine AHEC aims to enhance health equity and reduce health disparities among underserved populations through team and community-based experiential education and strategic partnerships. Maine AHECs provide community-based clinical training experiences to health professions students; encourage Maine youth to pursue careers in the health professions; offer training and continuing education programs to practicing health professionals; and develop public health approaches to address current and emerging community needs.
As Eastern Maine’s AHEC team, Healthy Acadia’s Maria Donahue and Sonya Connelly create engaging and multi-faceted rural health immersion opportunities for health professions students to learn more about rural and underserved communities, pathways for middle and high school students to experience health careers while encouraging them to pursue post-secondary education in healthcare fields, support graduate-level health professions students to gain the leadership skills to succeed in their future healthcare fields, with a rural emphasis, collaborate with healthcare partners to provide continuing education programs.
Healthy Acadia is committed to collaboration and partnership across all community sectors and throughout our service area, knowing that we do our best work by building trust, listening to one another, working together, and sharing resources, knowledge, and skills. We believe that all people must have access to resources and conditions that support their best health and well-being. We are committed to continuous learning, creating opportunities, and fostering environments that enable all people to thrive. We are dedicated to addressing health disparities and inequities both within our organization and across the communities we serve.
We firmly believe that we are all contributors to public health, and we're eager to hear what this means to you. What does your Healthy Acadia look like? Share your thoughts with us!
What is your Healthy Acadia?
“My Healthy Acadia strengthens our community’s future by empowering young people to make healthy choices, fostering strong family support systems, and building a foundation for a thriving and resilient population. ”
The Future of Public Health
Public health is evolving, aiming for fairness and inclusivity. We imagine a world where fairness isn't just a catchphrase, but a fundamental principle. In our vision, communities play a central role, in shaping their health from the inside out. The future of public health relies on collaboration, uniting with unexpected allies across various sectors, and prioritizing community voices. It's about breaking down barriers and not just fixing issues but preventing them from happening altogether, ensuring everyone has access to the care they need for a healthier life.
We all have the power to shape the future of public health. We can advocate for policies that prioritize community well-being, educate others on public health matters, and engage with lawmakers for change. Joining community organizations allows you to contribute to local initiatives promoting health equity, such as mutual aid networks that strengthen support systems within communities. Through active involvement, you help create a healthier future where communities hold collective power, ensuring the well-being of all.
To read the American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week 2024 post regarding The Future of Public Health: in English, click here; para leer en Español, click here.
Let’s Build Healthier Communities Together!
We invite you to come together with us to build public health for everyone. You can make a difference by volunteering your time, making an in-kind or financial gift today, reaching out to talk over ideas, or considering a planned gift.
Donate online. Make a one-time gift, join our Sunrise Monthly Giving Circle, and/or donate in honor of a loved one.
Mail a check to Healthy Acadia, P.O. Box 1710, Ellsworth, ME 04605.
There are so many ways for you to get involved!
For more ways to give, click here or contact Shoshona Smith at Development@HealthyAcadia.org or (207) 667-7171 Ext. 210.