National Public Health Week
Ready, Set, Action!
For more than 150 years, public health has reshaped what’s possible in the United States — adding decades to life expectancy and dramatically improving quality of life. These achievements didn’t happen by accident. They were the result of community health workers, medical professionals, scientists and advocates pushing for policies grounded in evidence and focused on equity.
National Public Health Week (NPHW) 2026 invites all Americans to renew their commitment to strengthening the systems, science, and community partnerships that keep us healthy.
This year’s theme — Ready. Set. Action! — 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. Because one truth guides it all: Good health doesn’t just happen.
Scheduled Events
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Day/Time |
Location |
Event Details |
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Mental Health Monday |
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Monday, |
Texas African American Museum |
Hear about how to take care of your mental health with tips and and resources from experts. There will be community activities and a chior performance from Texas College students. NPHW video contest award winners will be announced at this event. | ||||
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Commissioner's Court Proclamation |
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Tuesday, 9 a.m. |
Smith County Commissioners Courtroom 200 E. Ferguson Tyler, TX 75702 |
The resolution for National Public Health Week 2026 will be presented in Commissioners Court. The public is invited to attend all open meetings of the Commissioners Court. | ||||
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FIT City Tyler Expo |
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Tuesday, 4 - 7 p.m. |
Tyler Rose Garden |
Explore what's available in the world of health and fitness in Tyler. Hear from local vendors about new programs, fitness resources, and important health information. |
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Tyler City Council |
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Wednesday, April 8 9 a.m.
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City Hall, City Council Chambers |
A proclamation for National Public Health Week 2026 will be presented to the Tyler City Council. Residents are always invited to attend the meeting in person at City Hall. The Council meeting is streamed live on the City of Tyler's Facebook page. It is also available on Optimum Cable Channel 3. |
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Video Screening & Healthy Cooking Class |
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Wednesday, April 8 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. |
President Event Center |
Come learn more about the many ways public health touches our community. Come view short videos, including those from our contest participants, join in a cooking class, or tour our SMILE Center simulation lab. Event is come-and-go throughout the day with a healthy cooking demonstration from Dr. Maya beginning at 9:30 a.m. |
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CPR/AED Awareness and Demonstration |
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Thursday, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. |
University Center |
Join American Heart Association's Chantel Ballard as she leads a demonstration convering the basics of CPR and AED training and the practical ways emergency preparedness can help save lives. |
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Grand Rounds: Panel Discussion |
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Friday, Noon |
Ornelas Amphitheater |
Join different health experts as they discuss public health and it's role in the community from their perspective. |
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Video Contest
This year's Public Health Week theme is: “Ready. Set. Action.” Now is your chance to turn that "Action" into storytelling.
NET Health and UT Tyler invite East Texas residents to step behind the camera, or your cell phone, and create a short video highlighting the real impact of public health in our region.
Whether it’s a personal story or a bold vision for the future, this is your chance
to take action and make your voice heard.
Submission Deadline: Friday, March 20, 11:59pm
Contest Details
Participants are encouraged to submit videos that represent public health in East Texas. This can include healthy lifestyles, environmental health, healthcare access, community wellness initiatives, and more.
Entry is free. The contest is open to East Texas residents ages 18 and older. Amateur and professional videographers can enter.
- Number of Entries: Each participant may submit up to two videos.
- Length: Videos must be 15 – 30 seconds in length (ex., TikTok or YouTube Shorts).
- Format: Videos should be submitted in .mp4 or .mov format.
- Quality: Videos should be recorded in high resolution (1080p preferred). Professional editing is not required, but audio and visuals should be clear.
- Originality: Submissions must be original works created by the participant(s). Videos must clearly address one of the two contest prompts.
- AI Use: Participants may use AI tools to assist in the creation of their video.
- Consent: Videos featuring identifiable individuals must be accompanied by a signed video/photo release form.
First Place: $250
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100
Event Sponsors
