The inaugural Idaho’s Health Priorities Conference, hosted by the School of Public and Population Health at Boise State University, brought together various stakeholders in the healthcare industry. These included healthcare organizations, public health advocates, government officials, academics, and Idaho leaders. The goal of the conference was to discuss ways to improve population health through strategic alliances and by amplifying the voices of communities that are disproportionately affected by health disparities.
One of the presenters at the conference was Adrian Rodriguez, a Master of Public Health student. He presented a talk on “Engaging Hispanic Communities in Public Health Programming: Successes and Barriers Identified by Public Health Professionals.” Rodriguez collaborated with Assistant Professor Taylor Neher from the School of Public and Population Health on this project.
Another presentation at the conference was given by Edwina French, a research associate and recent Master of Public Health graduate, and Jennifer Nguyen, a graduate research assistant and Master of Public Health student. Their presentation titled “Empowering Idaho’s Kincare Families Impacted by Substance Use Disorder: Navigating Unique Challenges and Enhancing Supports” was also supported by Professor Toevs.
Mac McCullough, an Associate Professor and Associate Director for Community Engagement and Impact at the School of Public and Population Health, delivered a keynote presentation on “Improving Population Health through Strategic Partnerships” alongside Traci Berreth, an Affiliate Faculty Member.
Ashley Harris, a Master of Public Health graduate, presented on “Understanding Connections Between Public Health Districts and Individuals who have Recently Been Released from Carceral Systems in the State of Idaho.” This research was supported by Professor Sarah Toevs, Assistant Professor Taylor Neher, and Clinical Assistant Professor Desmond Banks.
Sheila Weaver, the Center for Study of Aging Lead Navigator and Program Coordinator
