Health Department Kicks Off 100th Anniversary With Centennial Health Fair
Posted on: Wednesday, 27 April 2005, 12:00 CDT
HARRISBURG, Pa., April 27 /PRNewswire/ -- Lt. Governor Catherine Baker Knoll and Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson joined Department of Health staff today to kick off the celebration of the Department's 100th Anniversary with a "Centennial Health Fair" in the Atrium of the Keystone Building. The theme of the Department's 100th Anniversary is "Better Lives Since 1905."
"Today is a day of celebration, accomplishment and reflection," Dr. Johnson said. "Over the past 100 years, few issues have had more impact upon the lives of Pennsylvanians, and Americans as a whole, than the issue of Public Health."
The Department of Health was created by the Act of April 27, 1905, P.L. 312, and modified subsequently through the Administrative Code of 1929. Of recent significance, Act 87 of July 2, 1996, P.L. 518, removed the requirement that the secretary be a physician; the Act also established the new position of physician general.
During the opening ceremony, Lt. Governor Baker Knoll made remarks and read a letter of greeting from Governor Edward G. Rendell.
"The Department of Health has touched every citizen in all parts of the Commonwealth," said Lt. Gov. Baker Knoll. "Through the use of community-based strategies, the Department of Health has successfully reduced the number of serious illnesses, injuries and deaths due to major health threats, tobacco- related diseases, infectious disease and accidental injuries."
Other featured speakers during the ceremony included Patricia Potrzebowski, Ph.D., director of the Department of Health Bureau of Health Research and Statistics; and Loretta Dodson, 2003 Keystone Games Kelly Cup recipient.
In his remarks, Johnson praised department staff for the role they have played in the lives of Pennsylvanians over the past 100 years.
"Over the years, the department's mission has been adapted to meet the needs and demands of the dynamic nature of Public Health, but one thing has not changed - the commitment, dedication and professionalism of Department of Health staff to provide top-quality programs and services that benefit the health, safety and well-being of all Pennsylvanians," Johnson said.
The Centennial Health Fair was a premier display of public health information and resources in Pennsylvania, with over 30 exhibits and demonstrations highlighting state government, private and community partners that promote health, fitness and healthy lifestyles throughout Pennsylvania. For more information on the Department of Health and the programs and services it provides, visit http://www.state.pa.us/, PA Keyword: Health.
CONTACT: Troy Thompson
(717) 787-1783
Pennsylvania Department of Health
CONTACT: Troy Thompson of Pennsylvania Department of Health,+1-717-787-1783
Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/
Source: PRNewswire
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