New PBS NC Series "Health Heroes" Helps Kids Learn About Public Health

Who says you can’t be Sherlock Holmes when you grow up? NC public health professionals track and test for diseases to help stop them and keep communities safe.

Or maybe you want to keep playing in the dirt as a grown-up. NC environmental health experts dig holes, test the soil and make sure our groundwater is safe.

You can now learn more about public health careers in a new TV series called “Health Heroes.” The children’s educational series is on PBS North Carolina. 

The series teaches kids about public health and the people who work every day to help keep our communities safe and healthy. 

Each episode features a different public health job. Learn how public health workers help:

• Prevent sickness
• Respond to emergencies
• Support families
• Protect the environment
• Share important health information

“Health Heroes” helps kids understand that public health is part of everyday life. It is in the clean water we drink, the safe food we eat, the vaccines that help prevent disease and the programs that help families stay healthy.

“When children see public health in action — through stories, real experts and relatable examples — it can spark curiosity and build early understanding. By sharing about public health early, we can provide moments of connection to build trust and inspire young people while also opening the door to a new generation of public health professionals who see governmental public health as a familiar, accessible and meaningful career path.”  

-Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health

What do the kids think?

We asked a couple:  

“I learned that there are little chemicals that can make us sick from the water, and you can dig holes to test the water.” 
-Nico, age 5

"Funny and factual! I liked hearing from people in first person talk about their jobs. I also liked that it was pretty silly and fun to watch." 
-Levi, age 11 

Where to Watch

Watch “Health Heroes” on PBS.org

Visit PBS NC’s schedule for the latest broadcast information.

Learn More

For Students Interested in NC Public Health Careers

Related blogs:

• How Public Health Works for You Every Day
• Day in the Life at NC's Laboratory of Public Health
• Day in the Life of a Perinatal Health Coordinator
• Day in the Life of a Public Health Data Analyst and Manager
• Celebrating National Public Health Week