The Chester County Health Department is recognizing National Public Health Week, which runs from Monday, April 4, through Sunday, April 10, by hosting several countywide events.

During National Public Health Week, the public health community is rallying to make the U.S. the Healthiest Nation in One Generation—by 2030. Numerous studies show that compared to peer countries such as Canada and the United Kingdom, the U.S. spends more on health care, but Americans live shorter lives and struggle with more health issues, such as obesity and heart disease, a Health Department press release said.

Furthermore, compared to peer countries, the U.S. spends less on public health and prevention, has lower high school graduation rates, and higher rates of poverty, all factors that affect health, the release said.

Through its programs and services, and collaboration with partners, staff at the Chester County Health Department strive to create healthy and safe communities for all County residents.

“According to many measures, Chester County is a healthy county.  But there is more to be done as evidenced by our RoadMAPP to Health Community Health Improvement Plan – or CHIP,” Jeanne Casner, director of the Chester County Health Department, said in the release. “CHIP incorporates many of the themes highlighted during National Public Health Week and demonstrates that no one organization can do it alone. Together we can make a greater impact on the health of our community.”

National Public Health Week events in Chester County will include:

• Healthy Art Contest for Students in Grades 9-12 – Chester County students grades 9-12 were challenged to submit original artwork depicting what their community would look like if America became the “Healthiest Nation in One Generation.” The winner will be announced on Monday, April 4, and prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Winning artwork will be displayed at the Chester County Government Services Center during April and the Chester County Library during May.

• Boy Scout Public Health Merit Badge – The Chester County Health Department will host its Seventh Annual Boy Scout Public Health Merit Badge event on Saturday, April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon at Olivet United Methodist Church in Coatesville. Scouts will complete public health activity stations while parents and troop leaders attend a seminar hosted by the Department of Emergency Services.  Registration is first come first serve.

• Healthy Homes Outreach– The Chester County Health Department is partnering with home improvement stores to distribute information to customers on improving environmental and home health. Flyers will be available at select Home Depot, Lowes, and Ace Hardware stores near checkout counters.

• West Chester University Presentations – Health Department staff will speak with West Chester University Public Health students on career options in public health. Other local schools may inquire about this program by calling 610-344-6940.

• Wheel of Choices – In collaboration with the West Chester Area Communities That Care Youth Involvement Workgroup, the Health Department will conduct a health education and safety game during lunchtime at Fugett, Pierce and Stetson middle schools. Other local schools may inquire about this program by calling 610-344-5209.

For updates on National Public Health Week events go to http://www.chesco.org/health, and follow the Chester County Health Department on Facebook and Twitter.