Thanks To Those In Public Health

As Americans prepare to give thanks to family and friends this holiday, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joined Research!America and leading U.S. public health organizations in praising federal, state and local "public health heroes" for improving our nation’s health. These heroes – our health inspectors, case workers, nurses, Animal Control officers and support staff – were honored for their lifesaving work on November 21, Public Health Thank You Day.

“Public health professionals go above and beyond to shield us from health hazards by preventing the problem from occurring,” said Patrick J. McNulty, MCDH Public Health Administrator.  “Federal and State elected officials must provide our public health heroes with the resources necessary to continue their important work.”

A new public opinion poll commissioned by Research!America shows 86% of Americans say it’s important to increase funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and more than half say the government should play a role in prevention research to help Americans make behavioral changes to reduce their risk for chronic diseases.

This is a time to recognize public heroes for their invaluable work in all that they do to protect us from deadly and disabling diseases,”  says Mary Woolley, president and CEO of Research!America.”  The recent outbreak of foodborne illnesses underscores the importance of ramping up resources for federal agencies such as the CDC to investigate epidemics and protect the public from other health threats.”

Also joining Research!America are the Campaign for Public Health Foundation, the American Public Health Association, Association of Schools of Public Health, Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, National Association of County & City Health Officials, and the National Alliance for Hispanic Health.