MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- The 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health flight educated Base Exchange patrons with a public health information booth the week of April 10.

The flight acted in support of the National Public Health Week theme of "Healthiest Nation 2030", providing information to the Gunfighter community on child, adult and pet health.

"The goal is to equip the community with better tools to make healthier choices and give them preventative measures to accomplish that," said Staff Sgt. Sylvia Smith, Public Health flight NCO in charge of community health. "We've really wanted to highlight what we have going on in Public Health, how we affect Mountain Home directly."

The booth displayed information from several Public Health sections, 366th Medical Group clinics, and other base agencies for all audiences, such as information on flu and foodborne illness prevention.

"We've reached out to Pest Management, our Nutritional Medicine section, the [Health and Wellness Center]," Smith said. "The vet clinic gave us information to hand out. It's been more of a joint effort."

The Public Health flight helps the Gunfighter community with numerous services such as animal bite monitoring, food and public facility sanitation inspections, occupational health education, the fetal protection program and many other preventative health programs.

"A lot of people within the group may know one or two programs depending on if it affects their section," said Capt. Venita Ramirez, Public Health flight chief. "But a lot of times, we found that they don't realize how diverse we are and how many missions we have."

One thing the Public Health Week booth highlighted was prevention and early intervention of health issues. Ramirez also emphasized patient safety as well as being a good, responsible patient by monitoring what medications are being taken and staying accountable with personal health and wellbeing.

This was the first year Public Health has displayed such a booth, operating the information kiosk at both the exchange and hospital.

For more information on the 366th Medical Group Public Health Flight, you can contact their office at (208) 828-7280 or visit the National Public Health week website at www.nphw.org.