Alexandria Health Department Recognizes Public Health Week, Encourages Residents to Seek Out Health Through Community

Page updated on April 7, 2025 at 11:40 AM
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Alexandria Health Department Recognizes Public Health Week, Encourages Residents to Seek Out Health Through Community

Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is encouraging Alexandrians to recognize National Public Health Week this April 7-13. During National Public Health Week, we recognize how the people, systems, and policies around us shape our health, and we celebrate progress in improving health and wellbeing for all. 

Over the past several weeks, changes at the federal level may have left Alexandrians wondering what is next for the programs and people supporting public health in our city. As we learn more about local impacts, AHD remains committed to protecting and promoting health. We’re also reminding Alexandrians that they have a role in celebrating and advancing health in our community.

“It’s often said that when public health efforts are working, they are invisible,” said AHD Director Dr. David Rose. “And while it’s true that so much of our city’s work to prevent disease and promote well-being happens out of the spotlight, public health is seen and felt in Alexandria every day.’

‘Public health is your son singing, “Happy Birthday” to time his handwashing just like he learned at school. It’s the safe, comfortable bus bringing you to a dentist appointment and the neighbor who will check in on your mother when you get stuck at work.”

This Public Health Week, AHD is encouraging residents to capture how our community affects our health by launching a Community Health Photo Album. 

AHD is asking Alexandrians to submit pictures or videos from across Alexandria until Sunday, May 4. Residents should capture aspects of our city that impact their health – positively or negatively. Some photo prompts include:

  • What makes our community healthy?
  • What are you most proud of in our community?
  • What would most improve quality of life in our community?

Pictures and short descriptions should be submitted through email and social media, and some content may be included in Alexandria’s 2024-25 Community Health Assessment (CHA). Full details about the album, submission requirements, and what will happen with submissions are available on the photo album website.

In addition to adding to our Community Health Photo Album, residents can reflect on and take part in public health in our community by:

AHD will be recognizing Public Health Week on social media all week – follow along to learn more about public health in our community and find more ways to get involved. 

For more information on public health in Alexandria, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Health.

If you prefer communication in another language, free interpretation and translation services are available to you, please email LanguageAccess@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3960. 

For media requests only, contact Eve Elliott, Communications Officer, at eve.elliott@vdh.virginia.gov.