Lake County board proclaims April 6–12, 2026 as National Public Health Week and honors health staff

The County of Lake Board of Supervisors on April 7 adopted a proclamation designating April 6–12, 2026, as National Public Health Week in Lake County. Supervisor Sabatier read the proclamation and cited the week’s theme, “ready, set, action,” saying it highlights how scientific discoveries, legislation and community initiatives improve public health.

The proclamation outlined the roles of Lake County Health Services divisions, noting that the administration division supports department programs, the environmental health division enforces safety standards and inspects restaurants and septic systems, and the public health division provides information, access and services to residents. It also recognized persistent health disparities affecting racial and ethnic minority populations, rural and tribal communities, LGBTQIA2S+ people, those in poverty, older residents, geographically isolated residents and people experiencing substance use or mental health issues.

Supervisor Sabatier thanked the health services staff for daily work on vaccines, harm reduction and disaster preparedness, calling environmental health staff a “silent army” whose efforts make ordinary activities—such as dining out—safer. “These people come to work every day and just absolutely kill it,” Supervisor Sabatier said, adding that individual employees rarely receive public recognition despite essential work.

Lisa Farocco, deputy health services director for finance and administration, said administrative staff underpin programs by processing grants, invoicing, ensuring compliance and handling hiring and human-resources work. “We are the people processing the payments for the grants … bringing the financial piece of these programs to this county,” Farocco said.

Dr. Bob Bernstein, the county health officer, thanked board members and residents for listening and urged continued attention to vaccinations and protective behaviors. “It’s your work that helps to prevent illness, injury, disability, and premature death,” Bernstein said.

Supervisor Owen echoed the thanks and referenced recent work responding to a sewer spill among other public-health duties, saying staff are “so much appreciated.” The board recorded the proclamation as passed and adopted on April 7, and board members and staff posed for a group photograph after the formal presentation. A brief public comment followed, limited to informal remarks from the audience.

The proclamation recognizes National Public Health Week as an occasion for local partners to promote policies, systems and services that advance health equity; no additional formal actions or votes on policy or budget matters were taken as part of the item.