Thanksgiving is less than a week away, and just like you, I am heading into the holiday season thankful for so many things in my personal and professional lives. 

As you know, these past three years have been difficult ones for the medical community, as it has dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic in its various manifestations. But we have persevered and continue to provide high-quality, affordable nondiscriminatory primary care services to our patients at the Wright Center. 

With that in mind, it’s entirely appropriate that I use this space to call attention to Public Health Thank You Day, which takes place this year on Monday, November 21. 

Celebrated on the Monday before Thanksgiving, Public Health Thank You Day marks the many contributions of public health workers. Organizations such as the American Public Health Association (APHA) will take time out on this day to recognize those professionals devoted to protecting the well-being of all people and communities. 

“Our public health system is the lifeblood of our nation. Those in public health deploy their expertise and commitment each and every day to secure safer, healthier and stronger communities,” said Georges Benjamin, M.D., executive director of the APHA. “I encourage Americans to take time to thank the public health workforce for their tireless and essential service in every state, county, city, town and tribal community across the country.” 

Through the years, public health workers have responded to innumerable crises, from the HIV/AIDS virus to the opioid epidemic to, more recently, COVID-19. They promote healthy behaviors, prevent injury and disease, and ensure the safe delivery of quality health care for everyone. They provide life-saving vaccinations to children and adults, educate people on the risks of alcohol and tobacco use, set safety standards to protect workers, develop school nutrition programs, and advocate for laws that protect the public from environmental harm. 

The Wright Center is doing its part to improve the health and welfare of our communities through inclusive and responsive health services and the sustainable renewal of an inspired, competent workforce that is privileged to serve you. 

I wish our employees and all of you a happy, healthy Thanksgiving! 

Jignesh Y. Sheth, M.D., MPH, is a primary care physician dually board-certified in internal medicine and addiction medicine at the Wright Center for Community Health, which has locations throughout NEPA (https://thewrightcenter.org/). He leads the center as chief medical officer, among other roles. Send your medical questions to news@thewrightcenter.org.