The Evolving Landscape of Biosecurity: A Technological Perspective

Presented by Anthony Okofu
January 8, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Pf8H6QurR3OXELzRsoqrvQ

Biosecurity involves the application of measures to protect living organisms, such as humans, plants, and animals. These measures are applied using knowledge of public health when working as an Epidemiologist, Biostatistician, Toxicologist, Behavioral Health Scientist, Environmental Health Scientist, Healthcare Administrator, and Public Policy Analyst.

Recent technological innovations, such as artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, and Genomics, have made advancements and aided decision-making in public health. However, these advancements come risks, which can be mitigated with sound policies. In this webinar, we will discuss the advancements, associated risks, and effective oversight to balance innovation with safety.

Topics: Disease Prevention and Injury Reduction, Policy and Advocacy

Wildfires in the Western United States: An Overview of the Health Impacts due to Wildfires

Presented by Aliba Syed, MPH, CPH
February 12, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gX318zNSSP-Dxt9Qd2BOVQ

This presentation will briefly go over what wildfires are and then provide a comprehensive overview of the health impacts associated with them in the Western United States. It focuses on both the immediate and long-term consequences of wildfires, what to do when impacted and how to prevent them in the first place. A wildfire is an unplanned fire that burns a natural area such as grasslands or forests. Climate change is a critical contributing factor to wildfires. Since the mid-1980’s, warmer seasonal temperatures along with longer and drier summers have led to a steady increase in the burned areas of the already dry Western US forests. This has resulted in a higher number of wildfire incidences throughout the Western US with California being one of the states highly impacted by it. In 2024 alone, California encountered the highest number of wildfires in the US with the total of 9,280 till date. The fact that wildfires keep on increasing each year is alarming due to the damage that occurs to natural resources, human property and human health. Even though certain populations, such as children, pregnant women and the elderly are more vulnerable to the chemicals released from wildfires, healthy individuals without any underlying conditions can also have a negative impact on their health due to wildfires. Some short-term effects are shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and sore eyes. Long term effects include acute respiratory and cardiovascular outcomes. Nevertheless, there are certain precautions to protect one from harmful health effects when an area is impacted by wildfires. Some recommendations are staying indoors, having your home windows closed and wearing an N-95 mask both indoors and outdoors. There are preventive measures to stop wildfires from occurring such as avoiding all types of outdoor activities that involve fire or sparks when the weather is hot, dry and windy.

Topics: Disease Prevention and Injury Reduction

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and Public Health: An Examination of the Occurrence of PFAS, their Health Effects, and the Evolving Regulatory Environment

Presented by Jane Parkin Kullmann Ph.D, CPH, DABT
March 12, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1HAvbyj7RVW9GPpx756z-g

The term “PFAS” or “forever chemicals” is talked about frequently in the news media, but what are these and how are they connected to public health?  This webinar will provide an overview of what PFAS are and what they are or were used for, their presence in the environment and consumer products, and their health effects. Current and proposed regulations that are applicable to PFAS (e.g., drinking water standards) will also be discussed.  This webinar will provide an overview of this topic to provide practitioners with a foundation for a better understanding of PFAS, why they have emerged as a defining issue for public health, and what is being done to address it.

Topic: Disease Prevention and Injury Reduction

Public Health and Real-World Evidence (RWE)

Presented by Lei Lv, PhD, MPH, CPH
April 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_xSxfuqLEQb27gHJb4QZC-A

The 21st Century Cures Act (CURE) requires pharmaceutical and medical devices to provide Real-World Evidence (RWE) using Real-World Data (RWD) to support the production of efficacy post-launch. This has led to a big demand for observational researchers in this industry and for conducting epidemiology research. CPH and public health professors have been a big part of this labor force. This webinar will discuss the career paths of RWE researchers for CPHs.

Topics: Data, Analysis, and Informatics

Creating Responsive Programs to Meet Changing Population Needs

Presented by Tasha Turner-Bicknell, DNP, RN, CPH
May 14, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qVywTZreQSCm-2SDSWkjjw

The unprecedented surge of overdose deaths in the United States has challenged public health entities to evaluate the effectiveness of current programs and search the research evidence for new ways to reach people who use drugs.  Specifically, black, indigenous, and people of color who use drugs remain over-represented in nationwide overdose deaths and under-represented in harm reduction outreach.

In this webinar, we will discuss how structural racism can impact the uptake of harm reduction services and how harm reduction vending machines and mobile units can reach marginalized populations that have been historically reluctant to access harm reduction services.

It is essential for harm reduction programing to continue to innovate and respond to the dynamic needs of people who use drugs.  Expanding harm reduction services beyond syringe service programming will be essential moving forward or we risk falling short of our mission to recognize and advocate for the human rights and dignity of people who use drugs.  Future work should focus on leveraging dispensing machines and mobile units to offer additional health services such as wound care, immunizations, and primary care.

Topics: Disease Prevention and Injury Reduction

Addressing the Public Health Needs of Transgender and Gender Non-Binary Communities from a Trauma-Informed Perspective

Presented by Anthony Dissen EdD, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH
June 11, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zo5oz5WYS1qoC9GqhPgozQ

Transgender and gender non-binary (TGNB) experience unique health disparities and challenges both from a medical and healthcare perspective as well as from a societal perspective.

This webinar will explore the unique public health challenges faced by transgender and gender non-binary individuals, with a particular emphasis on the importance of a trauma-informed approach to care. As healthcare providers and public health professionals, understanding the nuanced experiences of these communities is crucial to delivering effective and empathetic care. The presentation will begin by outlining the specific public health disparities and barriers encountered by transgender and gender non-binary people, including higher rates of mental health issues, substance use, and violence, compounded by systemic discrimination and stigmatization. We will then delve into the principles of trauma-informed care, which emphasize safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. By integrating these principles into public health strategies, professionals can create environments that acknowledge and address the impact of past traumas, thereby improving health outcomes and fostering resilience. Key components of trauma-informed care, such as recognizing the prevalence of trauma, understanding the signs and symptoms, and applying a strengths-based approach, will be discussed in detail. Practical examples will be shared that illustrate successful implementations of trauma-informed practices within public health settings.

Participants will gain insights into effective communication strategies, culturally competent care, and the development of inclusive policies that support the well-being of transgender and gender non-binary individuals. By the end of the webinar, attendees will be equipped with actionable knowledge and strategies to enhance their practice and contribute to a more equitable and supportive public health framework for this community.

Topic: Health Equity and Social Justice

Introduction to Person-Centered Contraceptive Care

Presented by Dani Lahn MPH, CHES, CPH
July 9, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_JXWunaBMTqGDLMKVq4YycA

Person-centered contraceptive care prioritizes the unique needs, preferences, and values of each individual, ensuring that they are at the heart of every clinical decision. This approach goes beyond simply offering contraceptive options; it involves actively listening to patients, respecting their autonomy and facilitating informed choices. By fostering open communication and trust, healthcare providers can empower patients to make choices that align with their personal goals and health priorities. This model of care not only improves clinical outcomes but also strengthens the patient-provider relationship, contributing to overall patient satisfaction and long-term adherence to chosen contraceptive methods.

Topics: Health Equity and Social Justice

Beryllium: An Important but Not Well-Known Public Health Issue

Presented by Gregory Nichols, MPH, CPH, CMQOE, ASP
August 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_whLJZcR5T3udWpo6lE1ZOw

Beryllium (Be) is a lightweight metal that has been used in defense, aerospace, and other manufacturing sectors for decades due to its workability and several key properties, including: high melting point, nonmagnetic nature, and resistance to oxidation under normal conditions. Although beryllium plays
(and has played) a key role in crafting critical components for important applications, the metal itself is highly toxic and can lead to the development of significant disease in humans, primarily in occupational exposures to beryllium without proper engineering controls, medical surveillance, and protective gear in place. The greatest risk for exposure to beryllium is through inhalation of either fine particles of beryllium as a byproduct of machining or as dust containing beryllium particles. Beryllium is a known carcinogen, and in addition to lung cancer, exposure to Be particles can also lead to a heightened immune response in some individuals known as beryllium sensitization (BeS), which in turn can increase the likelihood of developing chronic beryllium disease (CBD). The use of beryllium in certain industries, coupled with its high toxicity and disease risk, has elevated the metal to one of the most highly studied and watched occupational exposures.

This webinar will present a general overview of how beryllium became a known public health risk and what has been done and still is being done to reduce the burden of disease in occupational settings. A discussion will cover the history of beryllium in industry; risk identification and etiology of beryllium-related disease; preventive measures, including regulations and policy; an overview of the implementation of public health programs focused on reducing the risk and burden of disease using the Department of Energy’s Chronic Beryllium Disease Prevention Program (CBDPP) as a leading model; and a glimpse of remerging and emerging issues related to occupational exposure of beryllium.

Topics: Disease Prevention and Injury Reduction

Teaching Leadership Skills via use of Case Studies

Presented by Dr. Amar Kanekar PhD, MPH, MB, BS, CHES, CPH
October 8, 2025, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RfShKDZ6Siu_8XK_zSOj8w

The purpose of this presentation is to discuss building leadership skills in undergraduate and graduate students using case studies as a pedagogical technique . The case studies will be selected from existing texts related to a course taught by the instructor. Additionally, discussed would be creating ‘ case studies’ using generative AI tools as well.

Topics: Leadership

SDOH in Healthcare: Background and Current State for CBOs

Presented by Dr. Shannan Swafford
December 18, 2024, at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fZl-VMHyS1-W6BZCIyy4pA

Social determinants of health (SDOH) are non-medical factors influencing health outcomes and quality of life. Community-based organizations (CBOs) can play a key role in addressing SDOH by providing resources and support to help people lead healthier lives. In this webinar, we will discuss why Healthcare is asking community health workers for help addressing SDOH and their role.

Topics: Collaboration and Partnership

Serious Illness in the Community: Education and Coordination of Resources

Presented by Patricia Wright, PhD, MBA, MSN, CRNP,  ACNS-BC, CNE, CHPN, CPH, FPCN
November 13, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZlihY89AR7yQC33QFF2NEw

In this webinar, the presenter will discuss the incidence and prevalence of serious illness and the toll in takes on individuals, families, and communities. Importantly, many individuals and families are not aware of important resources such as Advance Directives, POLST, palliative care options, or hospice eligibility criteria. The information presented will enhance public health professionals’ knowledge of resources available to those facing serious illness and promote dissemination of needed information into their communities. 

Topics: Evidence-based Approaches to Public Health

60 Degrees North, Public Health in Alaska

Presented by Carla Britton, PhD, MS, Marie Jackman, MPA, CPH, Derek Searcy, BA, CPH, and Lowrie Ward, MPH, CPH, PMP
September 11, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/WTyzszDrkp8

Alaska is the largest and least densely populated state in the country. Its size and diverse terrain lend challenges to providing public health services. Approximately 150,000 Alaska Native or American Indian persons call Alaska home, many of whom live in the remotest parts of the state. 

Public health services are provided through a network of partnerships comprising Tribal, state, federal and non-profit partners. We will describe how the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium and its Tribal partners contribute to improving the health of Alaska Native peoples across varied aspects of public health. These areas include epidemiology, vaccine distribution, water and sewer projects, access to care, and culturally relevant health promotion programming.  

Topics: Communication, Collaboration and Partnership, Policy in Public Health

Collaborating with Partners: A Pathway for Productive Engagement

Presented by Lillian Agbeyegbe, DrPH, MPH, CHES, CPH
July 10, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/FMoOFWUli0E?si=_ev0Wokf7cvKahvO

Diverse areas of specialization and limited resources require that stakeholders work together to use resources efficiently in order to maximize impact and achieve outcomes. However, stakeholders may not readily identify their role or understand the full benefits of their involvement in a collaborative partnership. Collaboration should provide a role for all partners that supports their involvement in structuring and implementing a project. This webinar will provide information on defining community and identifying and engaging key stakeholders. It will also cover strategies for implementing a collaborative partnership. It will provide insights on possible challenges in working with collaborators and outline possible options for their resolution. 

CPH Domain: Collaboration and Partnership

The Role of Cultural Competence & Cultural Humility in the LGBTQ+ Population for Public Health Professionals

Presented by Anthony Dissen, EdD, MPH, MA, RDN, CPH
June 12, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/_BQjWf64Qsg

People who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and more (LGBTQ+) experience unique forms of discrimination and stigma that have significant consequences across various dimensions of health. These healthcare disparities increase the risk for several chronic illnesses and may further feelings of mistrust and disengagement from healthcare professionals, who often contribute to these instances of stigma. Public health professionals who are equipped with the requisite knowledge, competency, and cultural humility are better able to serve the LGBTQ+ populations, as well as update and change professional practices to improve the quality of care and service being offered. This webinar will review key ways in which developing and strengthening both cultural competence and cultural humility pertaining to LGBTQ+ people is a key aspect of evidence-based public health practice, as well as important resources that exist that can be helpful tools to help professionals engage with this population.

Topics: Health Equity and Social Justice

Public Health Leadership in Remote and Low Resource Settings: Increasing Capacity for Health Promotion

Presented by Ekua Agyemang, MD, MPH, CPH
May 8, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/9LSrkFigX_Q

How do you lead a team with several vacancies and a high turnover rate? How do you manage TB outbreaks without TB physicians and nurses? How can you increase the capacity of local indigenous Inuit to manage and contain outbreaks of TB? It is said everything rises and falls on leadership. Come and find out how public health leadership can increase capacity for great outcomes in low-resource settings.

Topic: Leadership

Public Health Microbiology in the 21st Century Under the Landscape of Changing Climate

Presented by Dr. Aliyar Cyrus Fouladkhah, PhD, MS, MPH, CFS, CPH
April 10, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/j9y_DidpmN8

Bacterial pathogens have unique and efficient capabilities for moving towards diversity and fitness through various mechanisms such as vertical and horizontal gene transfer mechanisms and quorum sensing. Expansion in global travel and commerce, changes in the production and processing of commodities, consumers’ demand for minimally processed products, and growth of the at-risk portion of populations are breeding grounds for novel, emerging, and re-emerging bacterial infectious diseases. Global warming due to the anthropogenic emission of greenhouse gases is further fueling these national and global challenges, as minor changes in environmental temperature have pronounced and appreciable effects on bacterial fate and proliferation. The presentation will discuss the impact of climate changes in various regions of the world and further articulate the expected changes associated with public health microbiology, water safety, microbial food safety, and food security.

Topics: Public Health Biology and Human Disease Risk

Science to Advance Social Change via a Punk Rock Ethos

Presented by Cynthia Prieto-Diaz, MPH, CPH
March 13, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/TMY6YpPu1VI

Advancing health and equity doesn’t need to require a lot of expertise but leaning into past education, lived experiences, observations, and the desire to be of service to your immediate community – while thinking globally.

Topics: Health Equity and Social Justice

Candida Auris: The Emerging Threat

Presented by Presented by Douglas Austin, MPH, CPH
February 14, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/R07LCghfj6g

Initially discovered in a Japanese man’s ear in 2009, Candia auris has spread globally since then and has become a pathogen of concern. If invasive, this highly drug-resistant super fungus has a mortality rate of up to 34% and can quickly colonize patients throughout a facility. What can we do to tackle this emerging issue? This webinar discusses what Candida auris is, what we know about its transmission, and its effect on hospitals and long-term care facilities.

Topics: Public Health Biology and Human Disease Risk

Prometheus Unbound: The Potential and Risks of Large Language Models in Public Health

Presented by Chris Von Csefalvay, MA, CPH
January 10, 2024 at 3 p.m. ET
https://youtu.be/za-p2LNV-qk

Large language models (LLMs) like GPT have captured the public’s attention, raising both overinflated expectations of generalized artificial intelligence (AGI) and fears of a takeover of the machines. Yet, in the right hands, LLMs can be powerful tools for improving public health surveillance, detecting early signals of pathogenic outbreaks from noisy social media, and supporting data-driven decision-making at a hitherto unprecedented scale. This presentation will briefly introduce what LLMs are (and, more importantly, what they aren’t), followed by a discussion of possible applications in public health as well as their risks, concluding with an equity-centered perspective on creating safe and unbiased AI/ML tools. Public health experts will undoubtedly find themselves as consumers of, and sometimes interactors with, such models, making it all the more crucial to build a fact-based understanding of this new tool and discuss how its risks are best mitigated.

Topics: Policy in Public Health