In the News
City of Springfield to Kick Off Public Health Month
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Health and Human Services (HHS) Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris will kick-off the City of Springfield’s Annual Public Health Month on Monday, April 6, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park. Mayor Sarno will issue a proclamation declaring the month of April 2026 as Public Health month in the City of Springfield.
In addition to the Public Health Month kickoff event, during Public Health Month community organizations and residents coordinate a month of public health advocacy and educational programming for residents of Springfield. This year’s Public Health Month Calendar includes over 25 educational events on a range of public health topics to raise community awareness of available programs and services as well as provide information about public health topics that affect our collective and individual health.
Since 1995, when the first full week of April was declared National Public Health Week, communities across the United States have observed this time as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the health of all people. It’s a time to unite around critical issues and focus our collective energy on the singular goal of helping people live longer, happier, healthier lives! This year’s National Theme for Public Health Week is “Ready. Set. Action!”
This April 2026 marks the 31st year that the City of Springfield Health and Human Services Department has served as the local organizer of Public Health Month---a month long, City-wide celebration extended from “National Public Health Week.” Along with local partners, community-based organizations, health care providers, and public health advocates, we have created a full month’s calendar of activities in which residents can participate for FREE!
Aligned with the National Theme “Ready. Set. Action!” the events of the month emphasize that good health doesn’t just happen. The theme calls on each of us to look back at the progress we’ve made and look forward to the steps needed for an even healthier future. We also take time to honor the dedicated public health workers in our community for their positive impact.
Mayor Sarno states, “In dealing with the COVID-19 world-wide pandemic, it really put to the forefront the importance of public health. During last year’s Public Health Month we really focused on how public health touches almost every aspect of our lives. This year, we are focused on taking action – ‘good health does not just happen,’ we all have a role in public health. I cannot thank Health & Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris enough for her incredible public health leadership, along with her dedicated staff, and all of the unsung heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes to improve the public and mental health within our community so that our Springfield is a better place to live, work and play, and thrive.”
HHS Commissioner Helen Caulton Harris states, “Thank to all our partners for working with us to kick-off another successful Public Health Month in the City of Springfield! We are fortunate to have many studied, experienced, and dedicated public health professionals and advocates who work daily toward making our city and community healthier for all. Thank you also to Mayor Sarno for understanding and elevating the crucial role of public health and supporting our work to strengthen our community.”
“The Springfield Department of Health and Human Services have been working in this field for decades and something we’ve learned from our city’s 30+ year history of formally recognizing Public Health Month and doing this work, is that it does, indeed, start with us.”
“I am deeply grateful to my DHHS team for their commitment to offering an engaging and meaningful month of Public Health programs. In 2025 our theme highlighted that Public Health is all around us, it informs almost everything that we do. We may take for granted that some of our daily habits are the result of public health advocacy, for example when you brush your teeth, that is Public Health. When you put on your seat belt, that’s Public Health. We came together and learned together with a shared understanding of what Public Health means and what it does for us. This year’s theme is action-focused as we move forward in our work to strengthen the systems, science, and community partnerships that keep us healthy,” said Commissioner Caulton Harris.
Each year during Public Health Month, the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services recognizes two outstanding individuals in our community with the Commissioner’s Award and the Luminary Award during the Kick-off event. The Commissioner’s Award will be presented to: Reverend Catharine A. Cummings. The Luminary Award will be presented to: Gloria M. Wilson M.Ed., MSN, RN.
Past Luminary and Commissioner's Award Winners
View all the posters from this year's Public Health Impact Poster Session
For more in-formation about the poster session contact Deputy Commissioner Ann Kissel at akissel@springfieldcityhall.com
If you have any questions or concerns related to Public Health Month events, Please contact Shenell Ford at SFord@springfieldcityhall.com (413) 784-4822 or Theresa Glenn at TGlenn@springfieldcityhall.com (413) 750-2065.
