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Public Health Partnership Conference Recap

This year NYSARH partnered with the NYS Public Health Association (NYSPHA), the NYS Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), and the NYS Conference of Environmental Health Directors (NYSCEHD) to promote the 2022 Public Health Partnership Conference. The conference took place from April 27th-29th with attendees participating virtually and in-person in Niagara Falls, NY. Attendees from NYSARH included Director for Strategic Development, Sara Wall Bollinger, Communications and Development Specialist (Americorps VISTA service member), Ella James, and Board members Karin Pantel and Mandy Qualls. 

NYSARH members enjoy the networking event. From left to right: Ella James, Karin Pantel, Sara Wall Bollinger

Attendees enjoyed around 20 different breakout sessions, two poster presentation sessions– one for professional posters and one for student posters–and two compelling keynote addresses. The first of these keynote addresses was delivered by Carl Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association. Dr. Hill’s presentation, “The Pursuit of Health Equity in Alzheimer’s and All Other Dementia: Research, Program and Policy Considerations”, clarified that Alzheimers is just one form of cognitive decline which exists among a range of other cognitive decline symptoms that are collectively referred to as dementia. Later on in his presentation, Dr. Hill brought into discussion another topic of interest, health disparities research theory. This concept was presented in relation to the effects of social determinants of health on occurrences of Alzheimer’s in various demographics and populations. 

The conference ended with the second keynote address which was passionately delivered by Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Benjamin’s address, “Creating the Healthiest Nation: Becoming the Chief Health Strategist” left attendees empowered with new tips for approaching public health work and advocacy in a politically divided climate. In his discussion of “how to become the chief health strategist”, Dr. Benjamin highlighted the importance of understanding where you have power, influence, and authority and working to employ all three simultaneously. This presentation rounded out the conference with a motivational message for attendees.

Conference organizers Sarah Ravenhall, NYSACHO, Sara Wall Bollinger, NYSARH and Erin Sinisgalli, NYSPHA

NYSARH was able to network with many organizations and individuals interested in becoming NYSARH members at our exhibitor table. Thanks to the major sponsors the Alzheimer’s Association, Unite Us and Oishei Children’s Hospital. The conference was also a long-awaited opportunity for NYSARH members to catch up in person. 

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