Today marks the beginning of National Public Health Week, which runs through April 13. It's a time for the American Public Health Association to bring together communities by recognizing contributions of public health issues and influencing public policy to improve global health.
"It's to raise awareness of what public health does for people on an everyday basis to keep them healthy and safe," said Kristi Campbell, director of the Cole County Health Department.
The week's themes include: "Be healthy from the start;" "Don't panic;" "Get out ahead;" "Eat Well;" and "Be the healthiest nation in one generation."
In conjunction with National Public Health Week, the Cole County Health Department has put up informational displays at five different locations around Jefferson City, including Missouri River Regional Library, the Southwest Early Childhood Center and three day cares.
Campbell said the health department's displays and brochures focus on the need for good nutrition, exercise, and safety for kids and families, much of what the department itself focuses on.
Many of the Cole County Health Department's efforts are centered around prevention.
The health department has a clinic that offers family planning services, immunizations and STD testing. But, it's not an urgent-care clinic.
Campbell said there are several nurses on staff, such as one who works with communicable diseases and tuberculosis and another who serves as director of nurses.
"We have walk-in hours everyday and can bill private insurance," Campbell said.
The health department also has a traumatic brain injury expert on staff. The staff person covers 11 Missouri counties.
Campbell said the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides education and support for pregnant women, infants and children, as well as helps them with their nutritional needs.
Campbell also has an environmental staff that inspects restaurants, lodging and child care facilities in the county.
"They (environmental staff) can shut down those that pose an immediate threat," she said of restaurants. "They also inspect lodging - which includes things such as sanitation, bed bugs, cleanliness and exit lighting."
The health department is also working to get accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, which Campbell says will show the public what the agency is doing.
They are involved with Central Missouri WeCan, which is a coalition to promote healthy eating and exercise.
Campbell said the health department's goal is to work more with obesity and schools, increasing activities and encouraging healthier behaviors.