The mission of the Black Caucus of Health Workers (BCHW) of the American Public Health Association (APHA)  is to strive for the elimination of disparities, reduce inequity in health and health outcomes by improving the quality of life for people of African descent through advocacy, knowledge sharing, practice, and research.

BCHW invites abstracts from public health administrators, educators, clinicians, practitioners, researchers, students, community health workers, and other professionals in related fields for presentation at the 2026 APHA Annual Meeting. Submissions should emphasize the translation of research into actionable health solutions and the implementation of strategies that advance equitable health care and practices for people of the African Diaspora. Individuals with local, national, or international research experience, including new investigators and graduate students, are encouraged to submit.

This Call for Abstracts seeks papers addressing issues relevant to people of the African Diaspora within one or more of the designated topic areas outlined below.

• African American Men's Health
  
• African American Women's Health
  
• Behavioral Health Interventions, Including Those Addressing Mental Health, Violence Prevention, and Substance Misuse
  
• Chronic Disease Prevention and Management Among African Americans
  
• Effects of Racism, Colonialism, and White Supremacy on the Health Status of African Americans
  
• Environmental Health and Justice.
  
• Faith and Spirituality
  
• Global Health
  
• Maternal, Adolescent, Child, and Family Health
  
• Reproductive Rights and Health
  
• Workforce Development, Academic Programming/Preparation, and Pipeline Programs
  

BCHW is interested in individuals who can present original, basic, advanced, or applied research that addresses public health systems, programs, and policies impacting the health and quality of life of African Americans and related vulnerable populations.

Abstract reviewers will review all abstracts on their own merit, using a standardized process. All abstracts must follow one of the two formats below.

Structured Abstract Format

• Background: Study objectives, hypothesis, or a description of the problem;
• Methodology: Study design, including a description of participants, procedures, measures, and appropriate statistical analyses;
• Results: Specific results in summary form; and
• Conclusions: Description of the study's main outcome or the intended with supporting data.

Alternative Abstract Format

Suited for abstracts about policy, programs, interventions, and other types of research evaluations, may be used:

• Issues: A summary of the issue(s) addressed;
• Description: Description of the project, experience, service, or advocacy program;
• Lessons Learned: A brief description of the results of the project; and
• Recommendations: A brief statement of next steps.

In addition, please note the following:

• Clearly state whether a supplemental summary is to be considered.
• Please indicate if your abstract submission is directly related to an abstract submitted by another author and if the intent is for the two abstracts to be presented during the same session.
• Make sure the work is original and not previously presented.
• Follow proper protocol for APHA abstract submission.
• No use of brand names or organizations is permitted.

All abstracts must be submitted electronically through the APHA online electronic abstract submission website. Abstracts should be 250 words and must include clear and concise learning objectives. Incomplete abstracts will not be considered.

 Continuing Education Credit

APHA values the ability to provide continuing education credit to physicians, nurses, health educators, veterinarians, and those certified in public health at its annual meeting. When submitting an abstract, please complete all required information so members can claim credit for attending your session. These credits are necessary for members to keep their licenses and credentials.

For a session to be eligible for Continuing Education Credit, each presenter must provide the following:

• Do not use trade names or commercial product names.
• Include at least one measurable objective: Use ONLY the following measurable action verbs: Explain, Demonstrate, Analyze, Formulate, Discuss, Compare, Differentiate, Describe, Name, Assess, Evaluate, Identify, Design, Define, or List. Do not use (a) unmeasurable objectives such as “to understand” or “to learn” or (b) compound objectives.
• Submit a signed conflict of interest disclosure form with a relevant qualification statement (short biography).

For general inquiries regarding continuing education credit and/or conflict-of-interest statements, contact Education@apha.org.  Please contact the program planner for all other questions.

Linked-Abstract and Panel Session Details
Scientific program sessions are 90 minutes and typically include four abstracts on a related theme. If you wish to link abstracts for the same session, you must link them in the APHA online submission system and notify the BCHW Program Planner. Please note that abstracts are scored individually, so not all linked submissions may be accepted.

For panel presentations, a complete submission—including all speakers—must be provided at the time of submission. Supplemental information is strongly recommended. Panels will be evaluated based on individual merit, proposed presenters, topic relevance, and alignment with APHA’s theme and BCHW’s mission.

Dr. June Jackson Christmas Session on African American Women’s Health

BCHW is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Dr. June Jackson Christmas Session on African American Women’s Health at the 2026 APHA Annual Meeting. This session will serve as a platform to highlight the unique health challenges and opportunities affecting African American women. BCHW invites abstracts that showcase innovative research, evidence-based practices, and transformative policy initiatives to improve health outcomes and promote equity for African American women.

Dr. Paul B. Cornely Round Table for Graduate Students

BCHW is seeking abstracts for presentation by graduate students enrolled in Master’s or Doctoral programs. Student status must be clearly indicated at the time of abstract submission, and anticipated graduation dates will be verified before acceptance. All submissions must represent original work that has not been previously presented, published, or accepted for publication. Graduate student presentations should align with the BCHW topic areas outlined above and meet all eligibility requirements, including, but not limited to, active membership in both BCHW and APHA.

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Ready?

Program Planner Contact Information:

George Smith, EdD, MPH
gsmith33@csu.edu


and

Ericka Horne, DrPH, MPH, CHES®, CCHW
ericka.horne90@gmail.com


and

Jill Dingle,
jillwdingle@hotmail.com