Metro Health Celebrates National Public Health Week
Published on April 01, 2024
This year’s national theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health”
SAN ANTONIO (April 1, 2024) – The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District (Metro Health) is honored to celebrate National Public Health Week (NPHW) from April 1-7. This year, Metro Health will celebrate by hosting its third annual Public Health Fest and introducing the Dr. Fernando A. Guerra Public Health Scholarship along with the San Antonio Area Foundation. Metro Health is also celebrating the department’s achievements during fiscal year 2023, which are now showcased in Metro Health’s latest annual report.
"During National Public Health Week, we recognize the vital role of coming together as a community to build healthier environments,” Mayor Ron Nirenberg said. “By setting a commitment toward wellness, San Antonio residents pave the way to a healthier, more resilient community where everyone thrives.”
Every year, the American Public Health Association (APHA) brings communities together nationwide in April to celebrate the role and impact of public health and highlight issues that are important to address health disparities. The 2024 NPHW theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” emphasizing the importance of the relationships we develop in our communities and coming together to support and achieve the goals of public health.
“Public Health initiatives are an important part of the City’s plan to help produce a healthier future for all residents,” City Manager Erik Walsh said. “With the help of Metro Health and other local groups, we can all be empowered to make sure we are focusing on our health and well-being first. San Antonio’s gold medal designation from CityHealth is a great example of our commitment to public health being recognized at a national level.”
In partnership with the San Antonio Area Foundation, Metro Health commemorates the service and dedication of Dr. Guerra by introducing two new scholarships that will be offered to local university students who are pursuing a career in public health. Two undergraduate students will each be awarded a $5,000 scholarship for an academic year. The scholarship aims to address local disparities and social determinants of health by equipping the community with well-trained public health professionals.
“National Public Health Week is also a time to honor the commitment and resilience of public health workers across the nation,” states Metro Health Director Dr. Claude A. Jacob. “This year, we look forward to our ongoing partnership with the San Antonio Area Foundation and local universities to honor the life and dedication of Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, an exemplary leader in public health.”
Applications for the Dr. Fernando A. Guerra scholarships for undergraduate students will be open from April 1 to May 5. More details about Dr. Guerra’s legacy and the scholarship eligibility requirements are available in the Area Foundation’s website.
To celebrate the contributions of public health, Metro Health will host its annual Public Health Fest on April 4 at Mission Park (6030 Padre Dr.) from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This community event will offer no-cost resources such as vaccinations, health screenings, and information from Metro Health programs. Healthy food demonstrations, live entertainment, and Fiesta medals will also be available at no cost. For other National Public Health Week events in San Antonio, visit the City’s SA Speak Up community portal.
To learn more about NPHW, visit SA.gov/NPHW. More information about San Antonio’s recognition by CityHealth is available in the City’s website.