{"id":17879,"date":"2026-04-03T10:39:56","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:39:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=17879"},"modified":"2026-04-03T10:39:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T14:39:56","slug":"crater-health-district-public-health-week-2026-ready-set-action","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/2026-regional-news-releases\/crater-health-district-public-health-week-2026-ready-set-action\/","title":{"rendered":"Crater Health District Public Health Week 2026: Ready, Set, Action!"},"content":{"rendered":"

April 2, 2026
\nMedia Contact:<\/strong> RaShel Charles rashel.charles@vdh.virginia.gov<\/a><\/p>\n

Crater Health District Public Health Week 2026: Ready, Set, Action!<\/strong><\/p>\n

PETERSBURG, Va. \u2013<\/strong> \u00a0The Crater Health District will observe National Public Health Week from April 6\u201311, 2026.\u00a0 This year\u2019s theme is \u201cReady. Set. Action!\u201d.<\/em> At the heart of this year\u2019s message is one simple truth: good health doesn\u2019t just happen. It\u2019s created when people, organizations, and leaders commit to taking action that strengthens the foundations of health for everyone.<\/strong>\u00a0 The Crater Health District, in collaboration with the City of Petersburg and Petersburg Public Schools, will host the Ready, Set, Action: Petersburg Wellness & Community Resource Fair on April 11, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Petersburg High School, located at 3101 Johnson Road, Petersburg, VA 23805.<\/p>\n

Public health is not something done to<\/em> you \u2014 it is something created with<\/em> you. Every individual plays a role in shaping community well-being through daily choices, shared responsibility, and collective advocacy. Through the dedication of community health workers, medical professionals, scientists, and advocates who promote policies grounded in evidence and centered on equity, individuals experience improved health outcomes and communities become stronger and more resilient. Good health doesn\u2019t just happen \u2014 you help create it.<\/p>\n

The Crater Health District remains committed to working alongside residents and community partners to create safe, healthy environments that reduce the burden of disease and expand opportunities for people to live longer, healthier lives. \u201cPublic health is most effective when it is collaborative, visible, and responsive to community voice.\u201d \u201cThis event supports our shared commitment to strengthening the well-being of the Petersburg community.\u201d said Crater Health District Director Alton Hart, Jr., MD, MPH, MDiv.<\/p>\n

“At Petersburg City Public Schools, we value the importance of healthy living and aim to provide our community with the necessary knowledge and resources to improve their wellbeing and strengthen their health foundation. Prioritizing public health is essential, and PCPS is proud to partner with the Virginia Department of Health on this meaningful initiative,” said Dr. Torrey Manson, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services.<\/p>\n

This community-focused event aims to empower Petersburg residents to \u201cBe the Director of Your Health\u201d by providing free access to essential wellness resources, services, and family-friendly activities.<\/p>\n

Event highlights include:<\/p>\n