Population Health Topics to Be Focus of Statewide Public Health Conference

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“From Patient to Population Health - Disparities Matter” is the focus this year as the Connecticut Public Health Association (CPHA) expects approximately 300 public health practitioners from around the state to gather at the CPHA Annual Meeting and Conference, being held on October 30. The day-long conference will include more than 30 sessions on various public health topics, along with two keynote speakers and a range of professional development opportunities for attendees.  The keynote speakers will be Mark Masselli, Founder/President/CEO of Community Health Center, Inc., based in Middletown, and State Senator Doug McCrory of Hartford, Democratic Deputy President Pro Tempore, elected to the Senate this past year. 

Conference objectives include:

  • Understand how public health policies and programs influence health disparities throughout life for patients and populations.
  • Identify evidence-based strategies that can reduce health disparities and improve community health outcomes
  • Influence health policies in state and country through disparities research and dissemination of evidence
  • Promote the formation of collegial professional networks and the exchange of ideas among members of the public health community

Among the topics to be discussed in sessions throughout the day are youth suicide prevention, pregnancy screening in community-based settings, addressing the needs of people with complex social and health needs, substance abuse, health disparities, healthy eating and hunger, and nutrition education.  Sessions will also focus on early intervention, asthma, drinking water safety, intimate partner violence, and the impact of Federally Qualified Health Centers in improving health outcomes.

Represented among the presenters are the Community Health Center Association, UConn, the state Departments of Public Health and Mental Health and Addiction Services, the Connecticut Data Collaborative, Institute of Living, March of Dimes Foundation, Western Connecticut Health Network, Connecticut Hospital Association and the State Innovation Model Program Management Office.

A welcome address, via video, will be offered by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy.

The Connecticut Public Health Association, which celebrated its 100th anniversary last year, has been committed to improving the quality of the public health profession and advocating for policies and programs that promote health and prevent disease.  The organization provides professional development and education, public health advocacy, mentorship and communications to members and the public. This year’s conference is being held at AquaTurf in the Planstville section of Southington.