N※N

East Shore District Health Department Celebrates National Public Health Week with Community-Focused Events

85

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. c-health-week-with-community-focused-events.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, December 11th 2025 at 8:12 GMT by Patch

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-11 224 x 224 / 11452 Bytes

2025-12-11 179 x 224 / 11319 Bytes

2025-12-11 224 x 224 / 8985 Bytes

2025-12-11 179 x 224 / 11530 Bytes

East Shore District Health Department Marks National Public Health Week with Community‑Focused Celebrations

The East Shore District Health Department (ESDHD) opened a weekend of health‑promoting activities on October 18 and 19 to observe National Public Health Week (NPHW). With a focus on education, outreach, and community partnership, the department highlighted its ongoing efforts to keep the residents of Branford, Guilford, and the surrounding towns healthy and safe.

1. What is National Public Health Week?

National Public Health Week is an annual U.S. initiative that celebrates the field of public health and promotes public awareness of health issues that affect the nation. In 2025 the theme, “Protect Public Health, Protect Our Community,” underscored the importance of local health departments in the COVID‑19 response and in addressing long‑term health disparities. The ESDHD’s activities mirrored this theme by offering hands‑on services, free screenings, and informational sessions.

2. ESDHD’s Core Mission

The ESDHD, part of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, serves a population of roughly 35,000 residents. Its mandate is broad: to prevent disease, promote wellness, protect the environment, and prepare for emergencies. “We are the public’s health safety net,” said Dr. Maria Ramirez, the district’s medical director. “From infant immunizations to chronic disease management, our job is to keep the community safe, especially during challenging times like the pandemic.”

3. Event Highlights

In addition to the in‑person events, the department streamed a panel discussion on its website, featuring public health experts, local educators, and a resident who had recovered from a severe COVID‑19 infection. The online discussion, live on the ESDHD portal, reached over 2,300 viewers.

4. Services and Programs Spotlighted

1. Immunization Outreach
   ESDHD emphasized that 86 % of the district’s children are fully vaccinated against measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). The free immunization clinic reached 1,200 individuals, providing booster shots for COVID‑19 and the seasonal flu.

2. Mental Health Initiatives
   A collaboration with the Branford Mental Health Center introduced a “Mental Wellness on Wheels” mobile unit. This unit offers brief counseling, crisis hotlines, and referrals to community mental health services.

3. Chronic Disease Management
   The department highlighted its “Healthy Heart, Healthy Community” program, which provides free cholesterol screenings and diet counseling. They reported a 12 % drop in new hypertension diagnoses in the past year—attributed to aggressive screening and lifestyle education.

4. Environmental Health
   A “Clean Water, Clean Health” talk examined local drinking water sources, recent testing results, and tips for safe home filtration. The department cited recent improvements in municipal water treatment that have lowered lead levels by 23 %.

5. Maternal & Child Health
   A partnership with the local hospital’s Maternal‑Child Health Clinic brought prenatal wellness kits to first‑time mothers and conducted breastfeeding workshops.

5. Community Partnerships

The ESDHD is built on a network of partners: the Branford School District, Guilford Fire Department, local churches, and nonprofit groups such as the Branford Community Action Center and Green‑Earth CT. Each partner contributed volunteers, transportation, or resources. The partnership with the Branford Community Action Center was especially pivotal; they provided a tent, refreshments, and a “Youth Health Ambassadors” program where high‑schoolers assisted with information booths.

6. Quotes & Impact

• Dr. Maria Ramirez: “Our focus is to create an environment where every resident—regardless of age or background—has the tools and knowledge to live healthier.”
• Branford Mayor Thomas Lee: “The ESDHD’s initiatives embody our town’s commitment to public well‑being. This week’s events remind us that health is a community asset.”
• Teen Participant: “I learned that vaping is more harmful than I thought, and now I’m sharing that knowledge with my friends.”

The Department also announced that over 5,000 residents participated in the week’s events across both venues. Follow‑up surveys indicated a 78 % satisfaction rate, with many attendees expressing appreciation for the accessibility of free screenings.

7. Looking Ahead

ESDHD plans to expand its “Healthy Living for All” outreach in 2026, including a mobile wellness van that will visit outlying neighborhoods during the summer. Additionally, the department is piloting a tele‑health platform for seniors, offering video visits for routine check‑ups.

8. How to Stay Involved

Residents can find more resources on the ESDHD website (https://www.ct.gov/dph/english/districts/ESDHD), which hosts a calendar of upcoming events, vaccine appointments, and health education videos. Local schools can coordinate with the department for health fairs, and community organizations are encouraged to apply for grants to host health‑related workshops.

In Summary

The East Shore District Health Department’s National Public Health Week celebration was a comprehensive showcase of preventive care, community partnership, and public health education. By offering free screenings, immunizations, mental health resources, and environmental health information, the department reinforced its commitment to the health of every Branford, Guilford, and neighboring resident. As the county continues to navigate the legacy of COVID‑19 and address chronic disease, the ESDHD’s ongoing outreach will remain a vital pillar of community resilience.