Highlights from National Public Health
Week Capitol Hill Kickoff Luncheon Briefing

Oscar-nominated actor and activist Edward Norton lent his star power to the April 3 luncheon kickoff briefing on Capitol Hill for National Public Health Week 2006. Norton serves on the Board of Trustees of the Enterprise Foundation, which works to move families up and out of poverty and transform low-income communities through the development of decent affordable housing and social service networks. Norton joined fellow speakers APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin, APHA President Dr. Pat Mail, Dr. Dora Hughes, health and education advisor to Sen. Barack Obama, and representatives from each of the five blue ribbon communities, receiving honors from APHA for their work that improved their own built environments and residents’ health. A Kaiser Family Foundation webcast of the National Public Health Week briefing is available for viewing here.

Also this week, Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) and Congresswoman Hilda Solis (D-Calif.) introduced the “Healthy Places Act” in the Senate and House of Representatives. The bill takes a broad look at the built environment and health issues. On April 4, APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin participated in a Kaiser Family Foundation “Ask The Experts” panel discussion on children's heath and health disparities. A Kaiser Family Foundation webcast of the panel is available for viewing here.

Scores of other observances were held in communities across the country from health fairs and clinics to blood drives and awards ceremonies to celebrate National Public Health Week. Check the June/July issue of The Nation’s Health for full reporting on the week’s activities.

(From left to right): APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin, actor Edward Norton (second from left), Frances M. Veverka, MPH, RS, Health Commissioner, Delaware General Health District; T.K. Somanath, President/CEO, Better Housing Coalition, Richmond, Va.; Susan D. Harrington, M.S., R.D., Director, Dept. of Public Health, Riverside County Health Dept., Riverside County, Calif.; APHA President Pat Mail; Vicki Lundy Wilbon, Chief Operating Officer, The Integral Group, Atlanta, Ga.; and Chuck Perry, Partner, Perry-Rose LLC, Denver, Co.

Photojournalists take photos of NPHW briefing panel, which included APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin; actor Edward Norton; and APHA President Pat Mail.

APHA Executive Director Dr. Georges Benjamin poses with Oscar-nominated actor and activist Edward Norton at NPHW Capitol Hill briefing.

Dr. Dora Hughes, health and education advisor to U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) addresses audience at NPHW briefing.

Photo credits: Mark Harrington