A comic strip celebrating National Public Health Week. The main character, Jim—a smiling Hispanic public health worker in a blue collared shirt—narrates his role. In the first panel, Jim says, “Hey there! I’m Jim—and no, I’m not a doctor, nurse, or paramedic—but I’m a public health worker, and proud of it!” He explains that he doesn’t wear scrubs or work in hospitals, but helps keep communities safe and healthy behind the scenes.

Celebrating 30 Years of Public Health Week—And the Everyday Heroes Behind It

This year marks the 30th anniversary of National Public Health Week. That’s three decades of championing prevention, promoting equity, and spotlighting the folks working behind the scenes to keep us all safer and healthier.
At CareerSmart, we’re tipping our hats to every public health pro out there—from the lab to the legislature—who helps protect and uplift our communities every day. Want to know more about why we’re celebrating this milestone? Check out the official National Public Health Week site.

Your Friendly Neighborhood Public Health Worker

A comic strip celebrating National Public Health Week. The main character, Jim—a smiling Hispanic public health worker in a blue collared shirt—narrates his role. In the first panel, Jim says, “Hey there! I’m Jim—and no, I’m not a doctor, nurse, or paramedic—but I’m a public health worker, and proud of it!” He explains that he doesn’t wear scrubs or work in hospitals, but helps keep communities safe and healthy behind the scenes. In the following panels, Jim describes his work: organizing vaccination drives, tracking disease outbreaks, ensuring safe food and water, and educating communities. The visuals show him pointing to a syringe and vaccine vial, a map with health icons, a water faucet and apple, and a senior woman next to healthy food. The final panels reinforce that public health focuses on prevention and equity. Jim’s expressions are confident and friendly, reinforcing the message that public health is vital and proactive.Hey there! I’m Jim—and no, I’m not a doctor, nurse, or paramedic—but I’m a public health worker, and proud of it! You might not see me in scrubs or rushing through hospital hallways, but I’m part of the incredible behind-the-scenes team keeping our communities safe, healthy, and thriving.

So, what do I actually do all day?

Well, my job is a mix of science, strategy, and heart. I work to prevent health problems before they start. That might mean planning vaccination drives, running health education programs, tracking disease outbreaks, making sure food and water are safe, or helping communities bounce back after disasters. Public health is like the invisible superhero of healthcare—we’re here to stop trouble before it knocks.

But, I’m just one piece of the puzzle.

Public health includes a huge variety of jobs and people. We’ve got:

  • Epidemiologists (aka “disease detectives”),
  • Health educators (spreading knowledge like confetti),
  • Environmental health specialists (keeping your air and water clean),
  • Community health workers (your go-to neighbor for support and resources),
  • Biostatisticians (the number crunchers behind the scenes),
  • Public health nurses (bridging clinical care and community wellness),
  • and even policy makers who fight for healthier systems at the government level.

Why is all this so essential?

Because healthcare isn’t just about treating illness—it’s about preventing it. Public health makes sure fewer people get sick in the first place. We improve quality of life, reduce health disparities, and promote equity. We’re all about helping people live longer and healthier lives—making sure no one gets left behind.

National Public Health Week 2025 Infographic – Public Health Achievements over 30 years. The American Public Health Association’s infographic features a structured layout with text, icons, and numerical data highlighting major public health advancements since the first NPHW in1995. Achievements by the Numbers: Almost 50% few people smoke now than in 1995. Teen pregnancies have been reduced by 2/3. Breast Cancer Screenings have risen from 29% to 70%. HIV deaths have decreased by 62%. Policy Game Changers: ACA, LGBTQ+ Equity, and Modernized Nutrition Labels. Increased Awareness: Decreased Mental Health stigma. Increased commitment to the social determinants of health contribution to health equity and awareness of the intersection between climate and health. Innovations in Health Tech: Telemedicine, Wearable Devices for Health Metrics, Waste Water Monitoring, AI assisted diagnosis & surveillance and First-Generation Drugs & Vaccines APHA logo April 2025
Infographic Source: American Public Health Association – National Public Health Week Shareables. Used with appreciation to highlight 30 years of public health achievements.

This National Public Health Week, let’s celebrate the power of prevention, the importance of equity, and the people working every day to protect and uplift our communities.

Want to learn more about how YOU can help bridge the gaps in health equity and improve health literacy in your community? Stay tuned for our new course on: Bridging Gaps: A Comprehensive Guide to Achieving Health Literacy and Equity—an engaging, eye-opening guide for healthcare professionals, community leaders, and anyone passionate about making a difference.

Together, we can build a healthier, more informed, and more equitable future for everyone.

 

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Excellence in Social Impact Award Presented to ISYS, Parent Company of CareerSmart Learning
Cristina McGinn

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