Since 1995, the American Public Health Association (APHA) has dedicated the
first full week of April to increasing awareness of public health issues and celebrating contributions to the field. This week is known as
National Public Health Week (NPHW).
Each year, APHA assigns a central theme for NPHW as well as sub-themes for each day of the week. The
central theme for 2014 is Public Health: Start Here. This theme focuses on public health professionals becoming guides in the changing
health care system. The daily sub-themes are as follows:
As a public health organization, Philadelphia Coordinated Health Care (PCHC) is committed to enhancing access to community physical and mental
health care through education, public health outreach, advocacy and empowerment as well as to improve health care outcomes for individuals with
intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Thus, it is fitting for PCHC to acknowledge National Public Health Week as a time to increase
awareness about individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and emphasize the importance of the integration of community
based health care services and supports.
For more information on National Public Health Week 2014 please visit www.nphw.org.
* Please note that these articles are written based on information for the general population. Remember to
consult a physician and check with agency policies and procedures for specific guidance.
What do you think is the most important thing that people need to know about Dual Diagnosis
(a person who has an intellectual disability and a mental health challenge)? Before we, as a system, can continue to
successfully incorporate Positive Approaches or Positive Practices, we must cultivate the one thing that predicts whether
those Positive Approaches and Positive Practices will be successful...a Positive Perspective.
... Learn More
The Association of Behavioral Specialists
Members from the Southeastern Behavioral Specialist Forum have currently been spear-heading the development of an
independent association for clinicians who provide
Behavioral Support Services to the
adult intellectual disability
population throughout Pennsylvania. The Association of Behavioral Specialists is currently
seeking clinicians who
may desire to become a part of this newly developing association. Interested parties are asked to
contact the Association
of Behavioral Specialists directly at
behaviorspecialistsofpa@gmail.com