Join the Celebration: Archuleta County Public Health Department Kicks Off National Public Health Week

By Ashley Springer, Archuleta County

The Archuleta County Public Health Department (ACPHD) is excited to join communities across the country in recognizing National Public Health Week from April 7-13. This year’s theme, “It Starts Here,” highlights how important public health is to our community’s well-being.

At ACPHD, we’re dedicated to offering a variety of essential services for residents. These include:

• Birth and death certificates
• Community and family services
• Testing for sexually transmitted diseases, tuberculosis, and pregnancy
• Immunizations
• Food safety programs
• Health insurance assistance
• Information on communicable diseases and rabies
• Nurse-Family Partnership
• Women, Infants, and Children services
• SafeCare in-home visits
• Forensic nurse exams

These programs laid the groundwork for future expansions planned for 2025 and 2026. Public health isn’t just about disease prevention. It’s about creating a healthier environment for everyone.

According to the CDC, for every dollar spent on public health, the U.S. saves $5.60 in medical costs. This statistic makes it clear how investing in public health can lead to significant savings for individuals and communities alike.

Executive Director Ashley Wilson shared, “Public health is a team effort. While our staff is here to help, we rely on the community to take charge of their health. Healthy living starts with you—through movement, balanced food choices, and daily habits. It truly begins here and now.”

This National Public Health Week, we invite everyone to engage and learn more about the vital role of public health in our lives. To connect with our team and discover more about ACPHD services, join us for an open house on Thursday, April 10, from 4 to 6 p.m. at our office, located at 502 S. 8th St. It’s a perfect chance to get your questions answered and understand how we work to keep Archuleta County healthy.

Let’s work together to foster a healthier future!

Check out this related article: Transforming Health and Medicine in the U.S.: A Message from Our Executive Editor