The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) announces a series of events to promote community efforts to confront health inequities and share resources during 2018 National Public Health Week.

Throughout the week, events will be held to highlight specific partnership initiatives that bring together residents, community organizations, and county health departments. Public Health will unveil a five-year community action plan to address high rates of infant mortality in the County; provide free CPR training for residents to enable mutual support during emergencies; share strategies for culturally-respectful health services, and launch a health careers and leadership training initiative for local students. All events are open to the public at no charge and residents are encouraged to attend.

“This year’s theme, ‘Changing Our Future Together,’ recognizes the importance of building partnerships across our community to ensure that all County residents have the opportunities and resources for optimal well-being,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director Los Angeles Department of Public Health. “Our strategy is to mobilize for action and incorporate community voices in our collective efforts to support a diverse workforce, thriving communities and healthy families.”

Highlights of the 2018 Public Health Week include the following:

Monday, April 2:
· Charles Drew University, the Departments of Public Health and Mental Health, and community partners announce Pathways to Health, an academic and community internship initiative to build peer leaders and career pathways in the health field for underrepresented youth. Charles Drew University, 1731 E 120th St Los Angeles, CA 90059, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 4:
· Power from Within: Promotores, Community Health Workers, and Culturally-Centered Care will share strategies on how to integrate cultural respect in all direct service efforts. Barlow Respiratory Hospital, 2000 Stadium Way, Williams Hall, Los Angeles, CA 90026, 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 5:
· Emergency Preparedness CPR training for residents to support each other during emergencies. For locations, view: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/phweek/PHWeek2018Table.PDF

Friday, April 6:
· Media event to launch a 5-year Infant Mortality Action Plan for closing gaps in infant mortality rates. Alongside community partners, Public Health will share innovative strategies for addressing high rates of infant mortality impacting Black, Native American and Native Hawaiian families. High Desert Regional Health Center, 335 E. Avenue, Room 11A, Lancaster, CA 93535, 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

For more information on Public Health Week events, visit: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/phweek/

The Department of Public Health is committed to protecting and improving the health of over 10 million residents of Los Angeles County. Through a variety of programs, community partnerships and services, Public Health oversees environmental health, disease control, and community and family health. Nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health comprises nearly 4,100 employees and has an annual budget of $1 billion. To learn more about Los Angeles County Public Health, visit PublicHealth.LACounty.gov, and follow LA County Public Health on social media at twitter.com/LAPublicHealth, facebook.com/LAPublicHealth, and youtube.com/LAPublicHealth.