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The MPHA Mission: We strengthen public health professionals, engage stakeholders, and influence policy so every Michigan community can flourish.
Concluding National Public Health Week
Liyah U. Ruffin, Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer
And just like that, National Public Health Week has come to a close. We hope this week has deepened your awareness and appreciation of the dedication, expertise, and impact that public health professionals bring to improving the quality of healthcare systems within our communities.
Public health is not limited to those working within the profession—it is a shared responsibility. Every individual has a role to play. Whether through advocacy, community engagement, or efforts to improve health literacy, each of us contributes to building healthier, more equitable communities where no one is left behind.
Previous National Public Health Week Articles
We would love to hear from you!
Make your voice heard by advocating for public health matters:
MPHA is seeking Board nominees for the 2026-2028 term:
Join MPHA for National Public Health Week 2026
Kelsey Phelps
What is National Public Health Week?
National Public Health Week was established by the American Public Health Association (APHA) to celebrate the successes in public health and…
Day 1- Ready, Set, Action: Celebrating Public Health in Michigan
Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer, President
As we kick off National Public Health Week, it’s the perfect time to recognize the vital role public health plays in Michigan and across the nation.
Day 2- Epidemiologists: Physicians for the Community
Brian Hartl, Epidemiology Section
I’ve grown accustomed to the puzzled look when I tell someone I’m an epidemiologist. “So…are you a skin doctor?” they’ll ask.
Day 3- Cheers to National PH Week from Public Health Nurses in Michigan!
Belinda Aberle, Public Health Nursing Section
In the “garden” of our nation’s health, public health nurses (PHNs) can be thought of landscape architects—designing and cultivating gardens with well-nourished roots, bridges to resources, and soil well-being for thriving, equitable public gardens.
Day 4- Advancing Oral Health in Michigan
Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer, Oral Health Section
As we recognize National Public Health Week, it is an important moment to reflect on the critical role oral health plays in the overall health and well-being of individuals and communities across Michigan.
Day 5- Rebuilding Health from the Ground Up: Communities, Infrastructure, and Education
Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer
As part of National Public Health Week (NPHW), the Michigan Public Health Association’s Health Education and Promotion Section is proud to highlight a critical theme: rebuilding our communities to better support health—today and for the future.
Day 6- Governmentally-Linked Public Health Partnerships are Crucial to Health Advocacy in Michigan
Stephen M. Modell, M.D., M.S.
Partnering with government is constantly occurring through a variety of ways and means including national health organizations, nongovernmental organizations…
Day 7- The Future of Public Health Starts Here: Empowering the Next Generation
Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer
As we close out National Public Health Week, the Michigan Public Health Association (MPHA) is proud to spotlight the future of our field—students.
Public Policy Updates:
April: Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Christina Sellers, Marcia Mastracci Ditmyer
What Is Parkinson’s Disease and Why it Matters:
Currently, more than 1.1 million people in the United States live with Parkinson’s Disease (P.D.), and an estimated 90,000 individuals are newly diagnosed each year.1,2 The number of people living with P.D. in the U.S. is projected to reach 1.2 million by 2030. Because the incidence of P.D. increases with age, the aging U.S. population is expected to contribute to this rising prevalence.1,2 Parkinson’s is one of the fastest-growing neurodegenerative diseases in the country, second only to Alzheimer’s disease.1,2
Save the Date: MPHA Annual Business Meeting & Summit
Epidemiology Section:
Registration is now open! For more information about the conference, visit the Epidemiology Section page. To register, click here.
Public Health Nursing Section:
PHN Section Book Club:
For more information, click here.