2024 Policy Action Institute Agenda

Welcome

• Georges C. Benjamin, MD, executive director, American Public Health Association
• Susan Polan, associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy, American Public Health Association
• Ilan Shapiro, MD, senior vice-president and chief health correspondent and medical affairs officer, AltaMed Health Services

Elections Matter: Public health on the ballot

We are excited to kick off the 2024 Policy Action Institute with Marc Morial, a leader for change and transformation. Mr. Morial will discuss how public health is on the ballot — directly and indirectly — in a post-COVID world.

• Marc H. Morial, JD, president and CEO, National Urban League

The Farm Bill: From advocacy to authorization

The Farm Bill is a sweeping legislative initiative authorizing more than $400 billion over a five-year period. It covers everything from forestry and conservation to energy and subsidies. Included in the bill are several critical health programs and an entire title devoted to nutrition. In this session, we will explore the health provisions of the Farm Bill and learn more about how public health professionals can and should engage with Congressional staff to assure the best health outcomes.

• Jacqlyn Schneider, partner, FGS Global
• Claire Borzner, senior professional staff, Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry
• Ellen Teller, JD, chief government affairs officer, Food Research & Action Center

View from the Administration

• Robert M. Califf, MD, commissioner, U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Including LGBTQ+ Health: From federal to state

LGBTQI+ rights and health are under attack at all levels. Policies to limit rights or curtail access to care have been introduced across the country. The White House recently announced new rules for enforcing Title IX, the landmark law that protects students from sex discrimination and harassment including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Hear more about this groundbreaking federal initiative and how states are organizing to protect LGBTQI+ health.

• Olivia Hunt, federal policy director, Advocates for Trans Equality
• Liz Bloom, policy advisor and speechwriter, White House Domestic Policy Council

Optional Events

In-Person Coffee Talk: The Power of Policy
Join Katrina Forrest, co-author of Policy Engagement, as she discusses some of the concrete, practical and insightful strategies for informing and influencing policymakers outlined in the book and takes your questions. Following the coffee talk, Forrest will do a book signing. Purchase your book during registration or onsite.

Digital Networking Discussion
Join fellow attendees and experts on Zoom for a live, informal discussion on today's pressing topics. Topics and speakers will be shared closer to the meeting. 

Mini Fireside Chats

• Kelly Baden, vice president for public policy, Guttmacher Institute
• John M. Balbus, MD, MPH, director, Office of Climate Change and Health Equity, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
  

Youth Who Are Changing the Public's Health

Supporting youth leaders is critical to assuring a public health workforce that is engaged and proactive. These leaders are activists and advocates and can help all of us learn how to be more successful at affecting the systemic change we need.

• Zamaan Qureshi, co-chair, Design It For Us
• Selina Mathis, certified peer support specialist and student
• Kyndall Knight, My School Votes and When We All Vote Ambassador and student

A New Kind of Advocacy

Public health professionals often shy away from advocacy, but that means we are not using one of the most valuable tools available to make long-term systemic change. Lori Fresina has been on the forefront of public health advocacy and will share why we cannot sit on the sidelines and let others define the work and the needs of the public health field.

• Lori Fresina, MPP, national vice president, executive director, Voices for Healthy Kids - American Heart Association

Innovations from the States

The states are often the lead in policies to improve public health. At the same time, state legislatures are also the first place that we see attacks on public health authority and programs. Hear from public health professionals who are leading innovative work in the states to address local challenges.

• Michelle D. Fiscus, MD, FAAP, chief medical officer, Association of Immunization Managers
• Oluwatosin Olateju, DrPH, MSN-CPHN, BSN, RN, co-chair, Maryland Commission on Public Health
• Dan Olson, executive director, Vermont Public Health Association

Town Hall with Dr. Camara Jones

Dr. Camara Jones is one of the leading voices on the impact of racism on the health and well-being of people around the world. Participate in a town hall where you can talk with Dr. Jones directly about her work.

• Camara Jones, MD, PhD, MPH, adjunct professor, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University

Welcome 

• Susan Polan, associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy, American Public Health Association

All Hands on Deck: Advocacy is everyone's job

• Lili Farhang, MPH, co-director, Human Impact Partners

Advocating Differently

• Ilisa Halpern Paul, senior policy advisor, Venable LLP

Communicating Differently

• David Fouse, director of membership, marketing and communications, Association of Public Health Laboratories

Organizing Differently

• LaDon Love, executive director, SPACEs in Action

APHA Advocacy Priorities

• Don Hoppert, director of government relations, American Public Health Association