Healthy Tulare County Week Scheduled Apr. 1-6

Tulare County is encouraging all residents to live healthier lifestyles by hosting a variety of live awareness events and through social media outreach during “Healthy Tulare County Week,” which is scheduled from April 1 – April 6 in conjunction with National Public Health Week.

As part of his State of the County Address, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Pete Vander Poel said health and wellness of Tulare County residents was a priority during his chairmanship. Healthy Tulare County Week is one aspect of heightening health awareness in Tulare County.

“The more we can educate residents about making positive decisions involving their health, the better,” Chairman Vander Poel said. “Overall, the mission of Healthy Tulare County Week is to improve life in Tulare County.”

Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency (HHSA) Director Dr. Cheryl Duerksen said Healthy Tulare County Week is collaboration among Tulare County Public Health, the Tulare County Health Advisory Committee, community partners, and County departments.

“Collaborating with our community partners to promote healthy lifestyle choices, thereby strengthening the well-being of our community, is an integral part of the mission of HHSA,” Dr. Cheryl Duerksen said.  “We encourage all Tulare County residents to participate in increasing awareness about public health and prevention.”

Here is a list of community events during Healthy Tulare County Week:

• April 1: The Tulare County Fire Department will distribute and install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in homes in pre-authorized residents in Pixley.

• April 2: County Health Officer Karen Haught, M.D., will make a presentation at the Board of Supervisors meeting at 9 a.m.

• April 3: “Walk a Block” challenge during your break time or lunch hour – countywide

• April 4: County Fire Stations will conduct bike safety checks after 2:45 p.m. and Tulare County Area Transit (TCAT), Visalia Transit, and Tulare Intermodal Express (TIME) Lines free for the day – Fixed Routes Only

• April 5: “Kids Town Hall” at the Tulare City Library with Chairman Pete Vander Poel and County Health Officer, Dr. Karen Haught, at 11:15 a.m.

• April 6: The Visalia Walking Series continues at W. Main Park Trail in Visalia at 8:15 a.m. with Supervisor Cox

Online events and connections with community partners who are focused on health will be featured on the Tulare County HHSA Facebook page and on www.tchhsa.org in the spotlight section. Community partners being featured include: Be Healthy Tulare UC Co-op, Tulare County Joint Union High School, and Tulare County Office of Education (TCOE), Share the Road (TCAG), Tulare County Treasures, Visalia Transit, Tulare Intermodal Express, and the Visalia Farmers Market.