Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - Alachua County Veterans Services is informing residents that the Veterans Association (VA) is observing April 2, to April 8, as National Public Health Week. The VA is taking this time to promote healthy habits and safe practices among veterans and staff.

This year’s theme is “A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement!”  The VA encourages all veterans and staff to join the movement by making healthy choices. This includes quitting smoking, eating healthier meals, and visiting the doctor for a routine health screening.

“The VA promotes these events because they raise awareness and encourage people to take action to improve their individual health, which ultimately improves the health of the whole community—Veterans, Veteran’s families, employees, and employee’s families,” says Dr. Victoria J. Davey, Chief Officer of VA Public Health. “The two most important actions people can take are to stop smoking and to keep their vaccinations current.”

National Public Health Week is an annual event created by Presidential Proclamation in 1995 to highlight the importance of public health.

Read about the VA and public health.

For more information, contact Alachua County Veterans Services Director, Major L. Stroupe at 352-264-6740.