2018 National Health Week Schedule
Each year, the Society for Public Health Education partners with the Department of Health and Human Services to host National Health Education Week. This year’s event will take place from October 15-19 and will feature activities and workshops beneficial for health education specialists working in a variety of industries. This year’s event will also include workshops and events for specific healthcare industry sectors and special interests topics on issues such as gun violence, technology trends in healthcare, and more.
Monday, October 15 - Advocacy: The Public Health Impact of Gun Violence on Society
As the leading cause of premature death in the United States, gun violence is becoming an issue public policy makers and health education specialists are increasingly more aware of. Join industry leaders as they discuss the implications of gun violence on society and the possible causes of why the United States experiences some of the highest rates of mass shootings and gun violence in the world.
Tuesday, October 16 - Health Equity: The Impact of Inequality Affects All of Us
Everyone deserves the chance to lead a healthy life, regardless of where they were born or what race they identify with. On Tuesday, join us for a discussion on the Health Equity and Accountability Act and the implications of equality among socio-economic backgrounds in healthcare. Learn more about the advantages of healthcare equality on society as we seek to help public policy leaders and healthcare workers understand the importance of advocating for programs that benefit every individual.
Wednesday, October 17 - Emerging Trends in School Health
If you’re a school health educator or advocate, you’ll want to join us on Wednesday to learn more about the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model which highlights the importance of health care services in schools. Learn more about the Center for Disease Controls’ Virtual Health School that serves as an example of how schools can implement beneficial healthcare systems and services, and discover how the latest in e-cigarette technology targets adolescents with a variety of flavors and discreet components. Explore the possible reasons behind why more children and teens are using flavored tobacco and e-cigarette products, and learn more about steps health education specialists can take to help children and adults understand the dangers of tobacco use and nicotine.
Thursday, October 18 - Technology Impact on Health: The Emergence of Mobile Healthcare and Technology
Just how effective are wearable health devices, and what are their effects on healthcare? Join members of the American Journal of Managed Care as they discuss the importance of patient-driven and patient-gathered data points in the ability of providers to create a more comprehensive understanding of patients and their conditions in order to make more educated decisions on treatment options.
Friday, October 19 - The Impact on Environmental Health
Learn more about the dangers of illnesses that can be contracted through public water systems and recreational facilities, including gastroenteritis, hepatitis, respiratory viruses, and other conditions. Discover steps coastal communities and recreational facilities can take to test public pools, oceans, rivers, and lakes for dangerous bacteria and viruses. Health education specialists will also have the opportunity to learn more about the dangers of poor air quality systems in schools and how high rates of asthma are being contributed to a steady increase in environmental dangers such as air pollution.
Who is National Health Education Week for?
Programs such as National Health Education Week serve to provide health education specialists with tools and information they need to create better communities, better hospitals, better schools, and better businesses that provide equal healthcare opportunities and programs for all. National Health Education Week also serves to spotlight important topics in society that impact healthcare and healthcare programs.
What is a Health Education Specialist?
Health education specialists are professional health advocates who work to create and manage programs and partnerships that support healthy living initiatives, healthcare programs, and more. From the creation of free clinics offered by health departments and schools that help individuals cease smoking to helping fund the opening of public parks and recreational facilities, health education specialists are involved in the day-to-day aspects of many private and public sectors.
Health Education Specialists Create Better Communities
One of the main roles of health education specialists is the evaluation of what health programs and services are needed and which are currently working. That community-wide health initiative that led to the creation of new public parks and outdoor fitness equipment? A health education specialist was active in the fruition of that important public service. The free yoga classes offered at the senior center? A health education specialists may be to thank.
Whether it’s working with public policy makers to fund and create public health programs and services or working for private universities, healthcare facilities, and businesses to create healthy workplaces and schools for employees and students alike, health education specialists are an essential part of making healthcare accessible by all individuals, regardless of socio-economic background.
Where Do Health Education Specialists Work?
Health education specialists work in a variety of organizations and industries to promote healthy living and wellness initiatives for both public and private sectors. Some of the organizations that typically employ health education specialists include:
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Hospitals
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Physicians’ Offices
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Healthcare Clinics
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Healthcare Facilities
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Public Health Departments
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Government Organizations
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Universities and Colleges
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Public and Private Schools
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Nonprofit Organizations
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Religious Organizations
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Businesses
What is a Certified Health Education Specialist?
Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) are health education specialists certified by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing who have completed additional training in the field of health education and research. In addition to successfully passing a competency-based exam based on the Seven Areas of Responsibility, Certified Health Education Specialists must also demonstrate efficiency and experience in the health education industry and agree to an ongoing commitment to continuing education. To learn more about eligibility requirements for becoming a Certified Health Education Specialist, visit NCHEC’s website.