National Public Health Week: Listening and Working Together for Healthier and Longer Lives

In observation of National Public Health Week from April 2 to April 8, U.S. Surgeon General and Vice Admiral Jerome M. Adams is urging new alliances to enhance the country's health collaboratively, reports the Department of Health and Human Services . Adams notes American life expectancy has declined for the second consecutive year, marking the first time in 50 years that U.S. longevity has fallen. "As public health professionals, we have a unique opportunity to leverage our influence and leadership to forge stronger partnerships that can more effectively promote public health and prevention," he says. "I am committed to strengthening the connections among public health communities and forging new partnerships with non-traditional partners, including but not limited to the traditional business, law-enforcement, education, and faith-based communities. We cannot achieve our goals unless we are at the table together, sharing lessons learned and challenging each other to do more, to do better, and to do it together." Adams stresses, "When we are addressing issues that are important to improving our nation's health, we cannot operate in silos. Whether we are looking to improve our nation's health outcomes, improve our national security, or enhance a community's resilience, we need partnerships and collaboration. We can only change our future together."