This is National Public Health Week, when public health organizations from across the U.S. turn the focus on practices and policies that will help reverse the downturn in U.S. life expectancy, which has declined for two years in a row.

“The public health community and workforce has faced uncertainty, shrinking budgets and new challenges this year, but I’m excited this week to highlight the inspiring perseverance of public health efforts in every community across the country” said Georges Benjamin, MD, executive director of the American Public Health Association (APHA).

Health experts hope this year’s theme, “Healthiest Nation 2030: Changing Our Future Together,” will rally communities and the nation to form new partnerships and prioritize prevention efforts and public health. Hundreds of events, conversations and activities in every state are taking place to support that goal.

APHA will host a National Public Health Week Twitter Chat on Wednesday, April 4, 2-3 p.m. ET. The chat will spark discussion on public health priorities ranging from health equity to climate change, education and mental health. APHA will be joined by federal agencies, leading nonprofits, APHA members and Affiliate leaders. Participants can follow the chat at #NPHWChat.  

APHA’s 1 Billion Steps Challenge, a national walking and moving competition that concludes during National Public Health Week, reached its goal of 1 billion steps in March with weeks to spare. Hundreds of teams tracked their steps from January through April, inspiring communities across the country to encourage walking, rolling and moving.

Each day during National Public Health Week will focus on a different daily theme, starting with behavioral health on Monday and ending with ensuring the right to health on Friday. Public health experts will discuss the themes in detail on APHA’s Public Health Newswire throughout the week.

To learn more about National Public Health Week events happening in your area, visit the APHA calendar.