In conjunction with National Public Health Week (NPHW), which takes place April 2-8, the Washoe County District Health Department, the University's School of Public Health, the Nevada Public Health Association and the Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition have partnered to offer the several educational opportunities to all northern Nevadans.

The theme for NPHW is "Preparedness and Public Health Threats: Addressing the Unique Needs of the Nation's Vulnerable Populations."

The goal of NPHW is to encourage northern Nevadans to take the first step toward preparing effectively for public health threats.

Now, in its 12th year, NPHW is celebrated in every state across the nation. In 2003, American Public Health Association began highlighting a specific public health issue each year.

In 1995, former President Bill Clinton proclaimed the first full week of April as National Public Health Week. Each year since then the public health community has focused on issues that are important to improving the public's health.

National Public Health Week events taking place in our community include:

Monday, April 2
"Family Disaster Preparedness" Presentation Local activities kick off with a special, free "Family Disaster Preparedness" presentation by Washoe County safety officer Jim Caughron for employees of Washoe County from 9 to 10 a.m., and again from 2 to 3 p.m., in Auditoriums A and B at the Washoe County District Health Department, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion and attendance will be documented in the County's Learning Management System. To register, email ralbrandt@washoecounty.us or call (775) 328-2432.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt April 2nd also marks the beginning of a week-long virtual scavenger hunt. This free, fun, online activity will help both children and adults learn more about disaster preparedness, tips for staying healthy, and ways in which public health benefits Nevadans. Visit www.nphaonline.org beginning today to access the scavenger hunt. Submissions must be time stamped by 11:59 p.m. PDT on April 8th to be eligible for the grand prize drawing for either an iPod or a year's membership in the American Public Health Association. Call (775) 328-3645 for more information.

Workplace Wellness Programs Employees who are healthy reduce healthcare costs, take fewer sick days and have increased productivity. During this week, information about the benefits of a workplace wellness program and resources for implementing one will be mailed to a variety of Washoe County businesses on behalf of the Washoe County Chronic Disease Coalition. To request free information on workplace wellness, call (775) 328-2459. To learn more about workplace wellness, visit www.gethealthywashoe.com.

Tuesday, April 3
"Fitness for Health" Event The goal of the free "Fitness for Health" event is to promote healthy eating and exercise habits, which are essential to avoiding many chronic illnesses. Activities take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn at Jot Travis Student Union at University of Nevada, Reno and include a yoga demonstration, healthy snacks, information on incorporating healthful habits into your life, prizes and more. Students, faculty and community members are encouraged to attend. Call (775) 784-4611 or email jboudreaux@unr.edu for additional information.

"Business Continuity Planning for Pandemic Influenza: For Businesses Serving Those with Chronic Healthcare Needs" Seminar Businesses that support people with chronic health concerns, such as diabetes, kidney failure, mental illness and physical disabilities, are essential to the well being of those they serve. Dr. Jodi Kuhn, nationally recognized expert in disaster planning and preparedness, presents a special, free seminar in business continuity planning for those types of organizations from 1 to 4 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and B at the Washoe County District Health Department, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno. Seating is limited. To reserve a space, E-mail ralbrandt@washoecounty.us or call (775) 328-2432.

Wednesday, April 4
"Health Effects of Working in Low-Wage Jobs" Presentation From noon to 1 p.m., Dr. Jill Jones and Dr. Susan Chandler give a free presentation on the health effects of working in low-wage jobs (location at University of Nevada, Reno is to be determined). Free giveaways will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn at Jot Travis Student Union. This event is open to students, faculty and community members. For more information, call (775) 784-4611 or email jboudreaux@unr.edu.

"Business Continuity Planning for Pandemic Influenza: For Businesses Dependent on Hourly Workers or Volunteers" Seminar Businesses that rely on hourly employees and/or volunteers to keep their organizations running, such as casinos, restaurants and food banks, face special challenges during a community emergency. Dr. Jodi Kuhn, nationally recognized expert in disaster planning and preparedness, presents a special, free seminar in business continuity planning for those types of organizations from 1 to 4 p.m. in Conference Rooms A and B at the Washoe County District Health Department, 1001 E. Ninth Street, Reno. Seating is limited. To reserve a space, email ralbrandt@washoecounty.us or call (775) 328-2432.

Thursday, April 5
"Healthy Sex" Educational Activities "Healthy Sex" is today's focus of free activities, including information on staying healthy sexually, nourishing snacks, condoms, games and prizes, which take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students, faculty and community members are welcome to attend this event on the lawn at Jot Travis Student Union at University of Nevada, Reno. For more information, call (775) 784-4611 or email jboudreaux@unr.edu.

Sunday, April 8
Virtual Scavenger Hunt Ends The week-long virtual scavenger hunt concludes. This free, fun, online activity will help both children and adults learn more about disaster preparedness, tips for staying healthy, and ways in which public health benefits Nevadans. Visit www.nphaonline.org to access the scavenger hunt. Submissions must be time stamped by 11:59 p.m. PDT today to be eligible for the grand prize drawing for either an iPod or a year's membership in the American Public Health Association. Call (775) 328-3645 for more information.