Ramsey County is stepping up its game in the health department, designating this week - April 1-7 - as Public Health Week, as confirmed in a recent board of commissioners meeting. According to their official website, the initiative is all about giving a nod to the work being done in the public health arena and tackling the disparities in health and race that are still all too prevalent today. Under the banner "Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health," the county is calling on everyone to get involved and make a difference.

Commissioner Moran took the helm at the proclamation, with his speech setting the tone for the week's ambitions. Staff from Saint Paul - Ramsey County Public Health showed up to offer their two cents on the efforts being made. For those interested in the nitty-gritty, the proclamation has been made available on the county's site - in PDF form no less - so you can get yourself clued up on what they've got planned.

Moving beyond just words, the county has a series of events in the works. They're putting a spotlight on a crucial issue with an "On My Terms" reporting program for sexual violence that's slated for April 5. Megan Rae, SOS Legal Services Coordinator, is the expected speaker, and she'll be laying out what the program means for adult victims within Ramsey County. This initiative underscores the week's larger message: It's about empowerment, support, and pushing forward for a healthier community across the board.

Folks can also head over to a dedicated Flickr gallery to put some faces to the names of the people behind this public health charge. Curiosity piqued? You're encouraged to dig a little deeper with a visual accompaniment that sheds light on the commitment and diversity of the public health workforce in Ramsey County. It's one thing to read about these community shapers; to see them in action is another.