WHEREAS, a robust public health infrastructure is critical to ensuring Maine people can live long, healthy, happy and prosperous lives; and

WHEREAS, the theme for this year’s National Public Health Week is “Centering and Celebrating Cultures in Health,” which celebrates the unique ways different cultures focus on health; and

WHEREAS, studies show that small strategic investments in disease prevention can result in increased economic output and significant savings in health care costs; and

WHEREAS, public health professionals collaborate with partners outside of the health sector, including city planners, transportation officials, education officials, and private sector businesses, recognizing that other sectors can influence health outcomes; and

WHEREAS, in communities across Maine and the United States, individuals are changing the way they care for their health by avoiding tobacco use, eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and preventing unintentional injuries at home and in the workplace; and

WHEREAS, efforts to adequately support public health and the prevention of disease and injury can continue to transform a health system focused on treating illness into a health system focused on preventing disease and injury and promoting wellness;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved, that I, Janet T. Mills, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the week of April 3, 2023 as

National Public Health Week

Throughout the State of Maine, and I encourage all Maine citizens to recognize this observance.

In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this twenty ninth day of March Two Thousand Twenty-Three