New Tools and Innovations
April 1-7 is National Public Health Week 2024.
Join Healthy Acadia, American Public Health Association (APHA), and community-serving organizations nationwide in celebrating the many public and private spheres working together to make individuals, families, communities, and our nation healthier, stronger, and more resilient. This year’s Public Health Week theme is, “Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.”
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?
Every day during Public Health Week, we’re sharing 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 New Tools and Innovations.
“My Healthy Acadia explores ways of supporting our communities to be strong and healthy.”
As a committed participant in the Washington County Digital Equity Coalition, we work closely alongside the Sunrise County Economic Council, National Digital Equity Center, and a range of community partners. Together, we strive to improve digital infrastructure and expand access to affordable or no-cost digital devices, programs for digital literacy, and high-speed internet services. Our collaborative efforts empower individuals to access telehealth services and reliable online medical information like MedlinePlus, maintain strong social connections with friends and family, pursue educational and employment prospects, and much more.
The essence of public health lies in disease prevention, health condition diagnosis, and the promotion of overall well-being. Yet, realizing these objectives hinges on the support of innovative tools and advancements in public health. From wearable fitness trackers to telemedicine consultations, modern technology has revolutionized how individuals and communities access and manage health information. Tools such as early warning systems for natural disasters or COVID-19 testing kits facilitate connectivity and protection during public health emergencies. Access to digital resources and services that support health not only aids in the pursuit of equity but also ensures that all individuals and communities have the opportunity to flourish.
“My Healthy Acadia uses data to identify and solve problems,” Leslie Goode, Project Manager - Greater Mount Desert Island Region Community Health Needs Assessment 2023-2024
New Tools and Innovations
Smartwatches and health apps. Most adults need a minimum of 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity. Physical activity can help improve mental health, reduce the risk of illnesses such as heart disease and Type 2 diabetes, and manage chronic health conditions like arthritis. Wearable health devices, such as smartwatches, or health apps that track physical activity can help you to monitor how much activity you are getting every day. You can even use these tools to engage in some friendly competition with friends and family through NPHW’s Keep it Moving Challenge!
Advocate for public health using media. While not a new tool, digital media plays a strong role in health advocacy and public health awareness campaigns. Use social media to share the real-life impacts of public health by telling your story. Sign on and share APHA’s Action Alerts to elevate your voice on public health issues like violence prevention and climate change.
Read American Public Health Association’s National Public Health Week 2024 post focused on New Tools and Innovations: IIn English, or/o En Español.
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.