Health Department Day: Creating equal opportunities, promoting health
Reducing inequality of opportunity in the area of health and promoting self-determined and competent action for health are the goals of this year's nationwide Health Department Day on 19 March. The district is also committed to these issues - and works every day on targeted strategies to improve the general health conditions and healthcare in Waldeck-Frankenberg.
Living well and healthy
Health does not just mean the absence of illness, but also describes a state of physical, mental and social well-being. Medical examinations, instruction on health issues, monitoring functions in the area of hygiene or counselling and support with difficulties in old age or psychological problems: The tasks of the specialised health service are many and varied. The aim is to create conditions in Waldeck-Frankenberg in which people can live a good and healthy life.
Health promotion starts at a young age
It starts with the very youngest: In the "Gesundheitschamps" project, which the district is implementing together with the Verband der Ersatzkassen e. V. (Association of Health Insurance Funds), the Hesse State Representation, BKK Landesverband Süd, IKK classic, KNAPPSCHAFT and the Social Insurance for Agriculture, Forestry and Horticulture as well as Fulda University of Applied Sciences, children and teachers at schools are to learn what they can do for their health - with the help of digital and analogue tools such as quizzes, puzzles/memories, (explanatory) videos and interactive games. In Waldeck-Frankenberg, the project is being carried out in cooperation with the Mathias Bauer School in Bad Wildungen. Over the course of the project, the toolbox and training programme will be developed in a participatory manner. The ideas and feedback of children, parents, teachers and specialists from the district are incorporated into this process.
However, the district also endeavours to strengthen the health awareness and health literacy of all people in Waldeck-Frankenberg. "The development, coordination and implementation of health-promoting and target group-specific projects and measures are among our central tasks," emphasises Karl-Friedrich Frese, First District Councillor of the district. "We are therefore particularly keen to give everyone access to health-related services, regardless of their social background."
In addition to this project, the Health Service is working on many other projects to assess the local health situation and develop a sustainable concept to ensure healthcare provision and the structural anchoring of prevention and health promotion. More information is also available online.
Background "Public Health Department Day"
The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) has proclaimed 19 March as Public Health Department Day to draw attention to the importance of the public health service and to honour the work of public health departments. This is because they make an important local contribution to protecting and promoting the health of citizens. This is less about alleviating the complaints of individuals and more about focussing on the health of the entire population. In 2024, the motto for the public health department's day is "Social inequality and health". This is because a variety of social factors, including education, occupation and income, have an impact on health. People with a low social status are increasingly affected by chronic illnesses and psychosomatic complaints and are less likely to take advantage of preventative services. The local health authorities are working to reduce this inequality of opportunity.