Every year during the first full week of April, communities across the country join the American Public Health Association (APHA) to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW). It's a time to honor the contributions of public health and spotlight issues shaping the health of our nation. For more than 30 years, APHA has led this national effort.
City of San Antonio Metro Health remains dedicated to its vision of "Healthy People Thriving in a Healthy Community" and recognizes that public health requires proactive efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, promote healthy behaviors that enhance quality of life, and protect communities from environmental health hazards.
The 2026 theme, "Ready. Set. Action." calls on every person in our community to look back at the progress we've made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future.
Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities here in San Antonio. It's about how the places we live, work, and play shape our well-being. It's the strength we gain by coming together to build a healthier, more resilient community through collaborations in our community and advocating for the health of our neighborhoods. Public Health: It Starts Here. Ready. Set. Action!
Time: 9 a.m. Location: City Council Chamber
During the Thursday, April 2 City Council meeting, the City of San Antonio will issue an official proclamation declaring April 6 – 12 as National Public Health Week.
Time: 3 – 6 p.m. Location: Rosedale Park
To celebrate NPHW, Metro Health will host a public health fair featuring information of programs and resources. Exhibitors will include Metro Health programs, City of San Antonio departments, community partners, and media vendors. Attendees can enjoy free food, music, produce bags and Fiesta Medal giveaways all at no cost.
A key role of public health is to strengthen and mobilize community partnerships that improve health for everyone. Metro Health works closely with many partners who share a commitment to improving the health and well-being of our residents. Partners include:
Through these collaborations, we can expand access to services, share resources, address social and environmental factors that influence health, and build a coordinated approach that helps our entire community thrive. When partners work together, we create solutions that are stronger, more sustainable, and more responsive to the needs of our residents.
The 2026 theme is Health Begins Here: Community Wisdom, Collective Action. Time: 8 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Location: UTSA Downtown Campus (Durango Building)
Co-led by Bexar County Public Health and the UT San Antonio Kate Marmion School of Public Health.
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Location: Esperanza Peace and Justice Center Fiber Art (day): Fiber Thoughts as a restorative practice. Interactive arts and preview of the film the Quilters as an example of how arts can be used as a healing and restorative practice in carceral settings. With UT San Antonio faculty, and local artists.
Time: 8 p.m. Location: Carver Community Cultural Center Performance (night): Arts and Health on Stage - Felon: An American Washi Tale. Led by UT San Antonio in collaboration with The Carver Community Cultural Center.