All week long, we would like to thank Public Health professionals who work hard for the health of everyone in the community as part of Public Health Thank You Day on Nov. 20. Buncombe County is fortunate to have a dedicated Public Health staff who provide much-needed services and ensure the well-being of our residents.
Join us in ensuring that the team’s hard work does not go unnoticed.
Public health is a field dedicated to improving entire communities' and populations' health and well-being. Public health recognizes that health is not solely an individual responsibility but also is influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors that must be addressed collectively to achieve a healthier and more equitable society.
The concept of health equity is at the core of public health. Health equity means everyone has a fair and just opportunity to achieve good health. Some individuals and communities may face disadvantageous social, economic, or environmental conditions that can negatively impact their health.
Public health professionals work to overcome inequities in health outcomes by identifying and addressing their root causes and implementing interventions and policies that promote equal access to healthcare, education, healthy food, clean environments, and other resources necessary for good health. They strive to eliminate barriers and promote fairness, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of good health.
A note from Public Health Director Dr. Ellis Matheson:
"As Public Health Director, I encourage you to reach out and thank a public health worker today. We are very fortunate to have such a fantastic group of staff. I appreciate their dedication to our public health mission, values, and the people of Buncombe County and beyond. I want to say a BIG THANK YOU to each of our Public Health employees today and every day."