April 7, 2025. Reno/Sparks, Nev. – Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is celebrating National Public Health Week (NPHW) from April 7-13, 2025, to raise awareness of the current public health landscape and the importance of public health investment to serve the community.

This year’s theme, “It Starts Here,” emphasizes the importance of building healthier communities through collective efforts and highlights the pivotal role of public health in our daily lives.

“National Public Health Week is a vital opportunity to highlight the essential services and programs that contribute to the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Chad Kingsley, District Health Officer for Northern Nevada Public Health. “Given the current financial uncertainty for public health both nationally and locally, we are at a crossroads. Often times, Public Health is a thankless job – there is no congratulations for the food poisoning you didn’t suffer after eating at a local restaurant, the measles case that didn’t impact your family or the mosquito bite you didn’t get. At NNPH, we are committed to fostering collaborative efforts that address public health challenges and promote a healthier future for all residents and we hope that our local and national representatives continue to fight to keep public health a priority.”

NNPH is dedicated to improving and protecting the quality of life in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County by offering a variety of programs and services aimed at promoting health and preventing disease. Our key initiatives include:

• Community and Clinical Health Services: Focusing on disease prevention and wellness through programs such as Chronic Disease Prevention, Immunizations, Maternal Child Health, Tuberculosis, WIC, and Sexual Health, which encompasses Family Planning, HIV, and STD services. ​
• Epidemiology and Public Health Preparedness: Monitoring and responding to health threats to ensure community safety, from disease investigation to preparing for an earthquake or other natural disaster. This division is often referred to as population health.
• Environmental Health Services: Ensuring compliance with health regulations related to food safety, waste management, water quality, and vector control to maintain a safe environment for all residents.
• Air Quality Management: ​Safeguarding air quality and public health in Washoe County through the development and implementation of effective programs and regulations.

During NPHW, NNPH will focus on several key topics that align with this year’s national themes:

Healthy Neighborhoods: Promoting programs that enhance the well-being of our communities, such as 5210 Healthy Washoe and the Healthy Corner Store initiative, the “Keep It Clean” programs for Air Quality, Youth Vaping Prevention, Senior Falls Prevention, and many others.

Climate Change: Addressing environmental health challenges through the Air Quality Management Division, which provides resources and information on maintaining air quality and reducing pollution.

Reproductive and Sexual Health: Offering free to low-cost clinical services to prevent sexually transmitted infections and provide family planning resources, ensuring accessible care for all community members.

Emergency Preparedness: Equipping residents with the knowledge and tools necessary to respond effectively to public health emergencies, enhancing community resilience.

Future of Public Health: Investing in innovative strategies and technologies to advance public health practices and outcomes in our region. ​

NNPH invites all community members to engage in NPHW activities and reflect on the collective actions we can take to create a healthier, more equitable society. For more information on our programs and services, please visit NNPH.org.

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Please note the Washoe County Health District changed its name to Northern Nevada Public Health on Aug. 31, 2023. More information is here.

Northern Nevada Public Health (NNPH) is nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board and has jurisdiction over all public health matters in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County through the policy-making District Board of Health. NNPH consists of five divisions: Administrative Health Services, Air Quality Management, Community and Clinical Health Services, Environmental Health Services and Epidemiology & Public Health Preparedness. More info can be found here.