Cleveland County Proclaims April 2024 as National Public Health Week

During the Cleveland County Commissioner’s meeting on April 2, 2024, the board recognized National Public Health Week, highlighting the vital role of the health department in the community. Tiffany Hanson, the health department director, expressed pride in her team’s efforts to connect with residents, noting that they serve over 16,000 patients annually through clinical programs alone. This figure does not include additional services such as wastewater and restaurant inspections, underscoring the department's extensive outreach.

Hanson emphasized the importance of community support for public health initiatives, thanking the commissioners for their ongoing commitment. She introduced a new mobile screening unit, approved by the board, which will provide essential health services like blood pressure and cholesterol screenings in underserved areas of the county. This initiative aims to address significant health concerns, particularly heart disease and diabetes, which are leading causes of death in Cleveland County.

The commissioners unanimously adopted a resolution proclaiming April 2024 as National Public Health Week, with the theme "Protecting, Connecting, and Thriving." The resolution aims to raise awareness about the contributions of public health in improving community health and encourages residents to adopt healthier lifestyles. The week serves as a reminder of the importance of preventive health measures and the collective responsibility of individuals and organizations in fostering a healthier community.

As the meeting progressed, the focus shifted to public comments, although no significant discussions were reported in that segment. Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to enhancing public health and the proactive steps being taken to engage and support residents in their health journeys.