Today (Monday 18 September) marks the start of Organ Donation Week, a national celebration of organ and tissue donation and transplantation which saves and transforms hundreds of lives each year. Organ donation is a most precious gift and the selfless act of donors and their families is at the heart of Organ Donation Week. During Organ Donation Week, the Public Health Agency is urging people to confirm their donation decision on the NHS Organ Donor Register, and talk to their families about organ donation, as around 7,000 people are actively waiting for a transplant across the UK, 155 of those

The Public Health Agency is encouraging people to ensure they are as safe as possible from falls in their homes, as it marks Falls Awareness Week (18-24 September). Falls are the most common accident for all age groups, especially young children, older people and those with greater social, economic and health disadvantages. In 2021 there were 290 deaths as a result of falls in Northern Ireland. Janine Gaston, Interim Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement Manager at the PHA, said: “Falls can have an extremely serious impact on our lives, particularly among older people, as it can impact their

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women to get the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine between 16 and 32 weeks of their pregnancy. In 2019 in Northern Ireland 205 cases of confirmed whooping cough were reported to the PHA. During this time, when social distancing measures were in place, the number of cases declined, but now that we are mixing more frequently there is the risk that cases of whooping cough could rise again. The majority of children who are reported as having whooping cough are infants under six months of age and so are too young to be protected by their routine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched this year’s Health and Social Care (HSC) mental health and emotional wellbeing campaign “Walk and Talk”. Between now and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, all HSC organisations, in collaboration with the community and voluntary sector, are encouraging the public to look after their mental health by making a Walk and Talk part of their path to better mental wellbeing. Whether that is with a friend or family member, a work colleague or with one of the many walking groups across Northern Ireland, Walk and Talk 2023 is highlighting how it can

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has launched a public consultation on the Substance Use Strategic Commissioning and Implementation Plan to provide the public with an opportunity to help shape the substance use agenda over the next four years. The 12-week consultation, in partnership with the Strategic Planning and Performance Group (SPPG), runs until Friday 24 November, with opportunities to have your voice heard through an online survey. Kevin Bailey, Regional Lead for Drugs and Alcohol at the PHA, said: “Substance use, whether it be alcohol or drugs, is sadly all too common and something that

Queen’s University Belfast has become the latest organisation to join the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) Breastfeeding Welcome Here scheme – a programme that aims to increase the number of premises which actively show support to breastfeeding mums. This new membership represents a huge support network to breastfeeding mums who are working, studying or visiting the university. In joining this scheme, Queen’s has pledged that: breastfeeding is welcome across its campus; a mum who is breastfeeding will not be asked to move or stop breastfeeding; all staff will be made aware of the scheme and that

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day (10 September), the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Lifeline are highlighting the importance of talking to someone if you are struggling with negative thoughts or feelings, or are overwhelmed by what is going on in your life. Lifeline operates a 24/7, 365-days-a-year service, where trained counsellors are available to speak to anyone experiencing mental health lows or suicidal thoughts. Lifeline also offers support if you are a friend or family member of someone who you think might be suicidal or has talked about suicide and you need advice on what to do

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has taken the decision to bring forward the start date of this year’s autumn flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes to 18 September 2023. This is a precautionary measure following the identification of a new COVID-19 variant. This decision comes following scientists from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) examining the variant BA.2.86, which was first detected in the UK on Friday 18 August. While BA.2.86 is not currently classified as a variant of concern, advice from the UKHSA suggests that starting the autumn vaccine programme sooner will deliver greater