PROVO — Utah County is joining in a national celebration of raising healthy children and designing healthy communities this week.

Monday marked the beginning of National Public Health Week, a campaign to educate the public, policymakers and practitioners about issues related to public health.

In 1995, then-President Bill Clinton proclaimed the first full week of April as National Public Health Week. Each year since, the public health community has focused on issues that are important to improving public health.

Utah County has joined in the celebration each year with the county commissioners declaring the same week as Public Health Week in Utah County.

Throughout the week, the Utah County Health Department will issue public health messages to the media. Handouts of each message will be available at the health and justice building, 151 S. University Ave., Provo.

The health department will also honor two "Friends of Public Health" at today'sUtah County Commission meeting. Each year, the health department honors an agency and an individual for their contribution to public health issues in the county.

"Many steps and activities are taken every day to help ensure the health and safety of our community," said Joseph K. Miner, director of county health department.

Programs sponsored by public health organizations include immunization, promotion of good nutrition and providing good prenatal care, Miner said.

Over the past century, individual life expectancy in the U.S. has increased by more than 30 years, he said.

"This is due to the significant reductions in communicable and chronic diseases, as well as promotion of healthy lifestyles," Miner said. For more information about National Public Health Week, call 851-7000.