Giving Thanks for Public Health

With Thanksgiving approaching, it seems appropriate that we pause to give thanks for the people who help ensure a healthy life is possible for all—the public health workforce. On Monday November 25, APHL joins Research!America and other public health organizations in celebrating Public Health Thank You Day.

From initiating public health emergency responses to investigating disease outbreaks to communicating about health and safety, public health workers truly are lifesavers. We thank you for your passion, dedication and service, today and every day. Because of you, our communities, our country and our world are safer and healthier.

And we’re not alone in our sentiments. We asked our staff why they’re thankful for public health and public health professionals. Here’s what they had to say.

“I am most thankful for the dedication and perseverance of public health workers across our country.  They work tirelessly on behalf of ALL Americans and deserve to be celebrated!  You are all my heroes.” -Scott Becker, CEO

“A huge thanks to APHL members who improve the public’s health every day by helping to keep our food safe, track important diseases and environmental contaminants, screen newborns for serious but treatable conditions and detect and respond to outbreaks!” -Kirsten Larson, Food Safety

“On this Public Health Thank You Day (and every day), I’m thankful for public health laboratorians who perform invaluable testing to inform overdose surveillance and drug supply monitoring. I’m thankful for the epidemiologists who analyze and disseminate this vital data and the healthcare providers who meet their patients with warmth. I’m thankful for the harm reductionists and community workers who transform data into practical, evidence-based action fueled by compassion and respect toward people who use drugs. This work helps prevent overdoses and the transmission of infectious diseases and improves the quality of life for people who use drugs.” -Kelsey Granger, Environmental Health

“Thank you! In many ways your work goes unnoticed by those it helps the most—but we see you and see how dedicated you are to the mission of public health. We appreciate you showing up every day and doing great work. The best parts of my job are seeing all the amazing work you do and getting to work with such a great group of people.” -Anne Gaynor, Infectious Diseases

“Just a couple years ago, many of us found ourselves in the COVID-19 lockdowns, unable to travel and gather with family and friends as we would have liked. I’m grateful that public health science delivered us safe and effective vaccines on an unprecedented fast timeline so we can all fully enjoy the holiday season this year!” -Julia Pringle, Global Health

“PulseNet, the national laboratory network that detects foodborne disease outbreaks, is a public health lifesaver. Every year, PulseNet prevents an estimated 270,000 illnesses from the three most common causes of foodborne illness: Salmonella, E. coli O157 and Listeria monocytogenes. Investigations by state and local laboratories have led to changes in food production that are making our food safer to eat. Thank you, food safety scientists!” -Shari Shea, Food Safety

“I’m thankful for public health laboratories today (and every day!) for ensuring our environments are safe and healthy. Clean water and air are so important in keeping the population safe! I’m also thankful wastewater surveillance has begun to solidify itself as a public health technology. This testing allows for surveillance of disease burden in a community regardless of symptoms or healthcare-seeking behavior. This is a real step in making sure public health is equitable!” -Erin Morin, Environmental Health

“I am thankful for the public health workforce and their unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. From responding to emerging diseases to addressing health disparities, public health professionals are on the front lines, ensuring that we have access to lifesaving resources and information. Though their work is often behind the scenes, they have a continual and significant impact on our lives. Thank you for all the work you do and for making our world a healthier place!” -Nikki Marchan, Infectious Diseases

“I’m thankful that state and local public health laboratories produce critical test results that enable decision-makers to quickly address disease outbreaks and stop more people from becoming ill. Their actions also distribute the burden placed on the federal agencies that are responsible for keeping Americans healthy.” -Peter Kyriacopoulos, Chief Policy Officer

“I’m thankful for the many public health professionals who work to protect the environment, ensuring clean drinking water and food safety.” -Thea Mills, Marketing and Communications

“I am forever thankful for public health professionals and their unwavering commitment to improving our lives. These unsung heroes keep our food and water safe and continuously strive to remove barriers to improve our quality of life. Thank you for all you do.” -Amy Bryant, Food Safety