The Norwalk Health Department Works to Prevent Illness, Promote Health, and Protect the Quality of Life in Norwalk

Norwalk, CT -- It’s National Public Health Week (NPHW), a time to recognize the importance of public health and learn more about public health in your community. The Norwalk Health Department, part of Norwalk’s Community Services Department, works to promote health, prevent disease, and help make the community healthier and safer for all.

"Public health" describes organized efforts to help entire communities become and stay healthier. While doctors and other health care workers treat individuals when they get sick, public health professionals serve entire communities and focus on prevention.

Many functions of public health often happen behind the scenes. In fact, you might not realize the many ways the Health Department's work impacts Norwalkers' lives.

For example:

We inspect restaurants, housing units, salons, and other places for safety and sanitation.
We test the beach water during the summer months to make sure it's safe to swim.
We provide vaccines to children and adults, including vaccines needed for travel.
We offer testing and education for people concerned about their sexual health.
We investigate disease outbreaks and work to stop them from spreading.
We work with police, fire, city officials, and community volunteers to prepare for emergencies.
We teach children and adults about eating healthy, staying active, and making other healthy choices.
We offer WIC services to low-income pregnant and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to 5 years old.
We partner with educators, health care providers, social service agencies, community-based organizations, and others to tackle large community challenges. And more!

As the first nationally accredited Health Department in the state and still one of only four accredited Departments, we are dedicated to providing high-quality services and continuous quality improvement.

Learn more about the Norwalk Health Department and stay connected to important public health messages by visiting www.norwalkhealth.com  and following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@Norwalkhealth). To learn more about NPHW and to find a list of NPHW events near you visit http://www.nphw.org/.

About the Norwalk Department of Health: With valuable guidance from its six-member Board of Health, the Norwalk Health Department provides a variety of services and programs to fulfill its mission: to prevent and control the spread of disease, promote a healthy environment, and protect the quality of life within its changing community. The Health Department achieved initial accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) in June 2014 and reaccreditation in March 2022, demonstrating that it meets or exceeds national public health standards and commits to continuously improve the quality of the services it delivers. More information is available at www.norwalkhealth.com.