May is National Mental Health Month

National Mental Health Month began in April 1949 as Mental Health Week. It was established to remind the public about the goals and activities of the nation’s mental health programs. In the late 60’s to increase public understanding of mental health issues, the National Mental Health Association, (NMHA) expanded the week into a National Mental Health Month.

During May the NMHA, its 330 affiliates and numerous partners take time to educate the public about mental/emotional health and mental/emotional diseases.

Spring is here!

As the warmer weather approaches, we will spend more time outdoors.  The West Haven Health Department would like to remind you of three spring hazards.

Rabies
Lyme Disease
West Nile Virus

National Infant Immunization Week

The West Haven Health Department was recognized by the CDC at a ceremony on April 24, 2008, for its immunization program during National Infant Immunization Week. The event began with a Mayoral proclamation followed by words from the Health Director, Eric Triffin, MPH, and a message on childhood immunization from Dr. Melinda Wharton from the CDC. Attractions included a performance by the West Haven High School Steppers, the American Lung Association’s Breath Express, and an interactive story enacted by the Connecticut Storytelling Center.      View photos from the event.

National Nurses Week May 6-12, 2008

In 1953 Dorothy Sutherland of the U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare proposed to President Eisenhower to proclaim a "Nurses Day" to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s mission to the Crimea. However the proclamation was never made. National Nurses Week was observed, regardless, in 1954 from October 11 - 16 thanks to a bill sponsored by Representative Frances P. Bolton. A bill for a National Nurses Week was introduced in 1955 to Congress, but still, no action was taken. In 1965 the International Council of Nurses (ICN) began celebrating "International Nurse Day".   (read more)

West Haven Health Department's Public Health Nurses