Equity, public health the focus of this year’s conference, the first in-person gathering in two years

By Andi Schwingel

 

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Illinois students and faculty having dinner in Boston

Illinois students and faculty attended and presented at the American Public Health Association (APHA) annual meeting in Boston, the country’s largest conference related to public health.

Graduate students in the Master of Public Health program and Ph.D. students from the departments of Community Health, Kinesiology, and Human Development & Family Studies participated in vibrant sessions on social justice and health equity and the role of community health workers. Participants also presented their research on public health topics related to aging, physical activity, and global health.

The conference was held in person for the first time in two years, with more than 12,500 people gathering to connect, inspire, and learn from one other. This year’s theme focused on “the path toward equity” and included provoking presentations and discussions about contemporary issues such as reproductive rights, environmental health equity, and voting and health.

Andi Schwingel, a faculty member in Kinesiology and Community Health and a member of FRC’s steering committee, noted that a highlight of the conference was the diversity of the attendees, reflecting the breadth of the public health community from varied settings, backgrounds, and roles.

“The Family Resiliency Center helped promote the conference and their support was greatly appreciated,” she said.   

The ideal fall weather allowed for pleasant outdoor activities during breaks in the conference, such as a group from Illinois gathering in a historical Boston neighborhood to share their experiences. Additionally, the departments of Kinesiology and Community Health organized a reception that was well attended by faculty, students, and alumni. The APHA conference underscored to participants the importance of public health as all involved strive to increase equity in health and social justice nationwide.