Abstract

Fostering a Community of Policy Development

Tammy Pilisuk, Maurice Johnson, Ashley Hickson

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Abstract

Putting Policy and Advocacy Into Action: CHPPD Day of Action

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Introduction to problem being addressed:
The Community Health Planning and Policy Development (CHPPD) section of APHA founded the annual Day of Action (DOA) in 2011. The purpose of the CHPPD DOA is to partner with local community-based organizations in the host city of each year’s Annual Meeting to mobilize their constituents and partners along with APHA to plan an action event during the Annual Meeting and bring attention to a pressing public health need and successful local solutions. The mission of CHPPD’s DOA is to develop and advocate for health planning, policies and practices to promote health equity, community empowerment and social justice.

Description of evidence and theory used to inform program development and/or implementation:
Each year CHPPD employs organizational networking and community organizing approaches to: 1) identify members in the host city, 2) reach out to their community partners, 3) identify a public health topical focus and relevant action event, 4) engage with diverse APHA components, and 5) conduct a series of planning meetings to plan, promote, and implement the action event. CHPPD provides a core group of 3 – 4 section volunteers and a budget of $500 to be used for event costs. Volunteer activities include convening regular meetings with local APHA affiliates and community partners, managing communications, designing advertisement materials for distribution, coordinating with other APHA sections to publicize the event, and coordinating activities the day of DOA. At the conclusion of the DOA, a survey is sent to all partners and participants to evaluate the effectiveness of the event. This survey is used to prepare future DOA events.

Description of program activities and outcomes or plan to evaluate outcomes:
CHPPD has hosted 10 DOA events across the United States, including in-person and virtual events. Health topics ranged from health disparities, food insecurity, health insurance and Medicaid, community violence and safety, human rights, and housing. DOA events have included direct service (i.e., food pantry meal preparation) and advocacy/education-based (e.g., workshops about health policy) activities. We have discovered that the process of planning and implementing each Day of Action has conferred benefits to the Section, including increased member recruitment and retention, leadership development, sharing/learning of best practices, collaboration between CHPPD and diverse APHA components, and mentorship opportunities for students. Partner benefits have included bringing national attention to local policy issues, building national public health and funding networks, increasing media reach, and creating tangible deliverables (e.g., neighborhood health profiles, advocacy videos).

Conclusion:
By finding meaningful ways to collaborate as a national public health workforce with our host city partners each year in different cities, we can help to build our community partners’ and our own individual and organizational capacity to network and share/learn best practices in community organizing, policy advocacy, and addressing the social determinants of health to improve community health and achieve health equity. We believe that this experiential co-learning will build a public health movement.

Recommendations for practice:
Organizations who aim to address disparities in specific settings should identify partner organizations who could best inform them of the needs of the local community to maximize impact for those who are most impacted.

Abstract

Engaging Students to Promote Public Health Action

APHA 2022 Annual Meeting and Expo

Introduction to problem being addressed:

The Student Committee of the Community Health Planning and Policy Development (CHPPD) section is a sub-section of the American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Student Assembly section. The vision of the APHA’s Student Assembly section was to create a network of students at all levels that share passion for creating a healthy global society. Student Assembly is the largest student-led organization in the nation, with approximately 7,000 students and young professions. With that goal in mind, CHPPD’s student committee was created to mirror that vision by creating a group of students who are passionate about health systems, policy, and community advocacy and their role in promoting health communities.

Description of evidence and theory used to inform program development and/or implementation:

Each year, CHPPD members vote on a Student Liaison, who is the connection between APHA’s Student Assembly and CHPPD’s Student Committee. The Student Liaison starts their position after APHA’s annual meeting each year and end their position during the meeting. Their role consists of 1) attending Student Assembly meetings, 2) attending CHPPD leadership meetings, 3) communicating important information to students within the CHPPD section, and 4) planning/organizing events for students within CHPPD section. At the end of each month, the Student Liaison must complete a report for the Student Assembly on their programming.

Description of program activities and outcomes or plan to evaluate outcomes:

CHPPD’s Student Committee has hosted a range of events spanning from networking, professional development, and APHA-specific meeting events. Events are geared towards both students at all levels and young professionals who may have just transitioned out of a student role. In an effort to accommodate section members across the world, most events are held virtually, with the exception of Annual Meeting events, which are usually held in-person. Examples of Student Committee events include: 1) an abstract watching workshop, 2) preparing for APHA, 3) networking tips and tricks, and 4) virtual happy hour. In addition to planned events, the Student Committee hosts events during National Public Health Week (NPHW) in partnership with other APHA sections and/or organizations. For example, this year, the Student Committee hosted daily presentations from students related to NPHW daily themes and connected it to CHPPD priorities. These presentations collectively included approximately 15 student presenters. Finally, outside of events, the Student Committee participates in other CHPPD activities including volunteering at the annual CHPPD Day of Action, volunteering at the expo booth during the annual meeting, and moderating CHPPD sections.

Conclusion:

The Student Committee has dedicated itself to keeping students updated about APHA information, while also providing ample opportunities for students to connect with other students across the globe. This has helped students expand their collaborative network, improve their hard and soft skills, as well as explore their interest areas.

Recommendations for practice:

Organizations that aim to engage students should be intentional in being flexible in scheduling and understanding the needs of students.