On Monday morning, city and public health leaders in Tyler, Texas, embarked on a one-mile walk through the Tyler Rose Garden to kick off National Public Health Week. Mayor Don Warren joked about sweating after just 2,000 steps, attributing it to the humidity. The purpose of their walk was to highlight the critical role that public health plays in ensuring the well-being of the community.
George Roberts, CEO of the Northeast Texas Public Health District, emphasized the various initiatives that public health undertakes to promote health and safety. From providing safe water to issuing food permits at restaurants and administering life-saving immunizations, public health efforts are essential for the health and safety of residents.
Mayor Warren acknowledged the importance of having an organization like NET Health, which provides vital services that would be challenging for the city to handle internally. Teresa Byrd, dean of the UT Tyler School of Health Professions, highlighted the preventive nature of public health work. By working to prevent disease and promote health, public health professionals strive to keep communities safe and healthy without residents even realizing their impact.
Public health efforts have significantly contributed to the increase in the average American lifespan over the years. The CDC credits 25 years of a 30-year increase since 1900 to public health professionals’ hard work. This week’s efforts in public health are being celebrated both nationally and locally in Tyler as we recognize and celebrate these often unnoticed initiatives’ critical role in promoting health and safety.
