Building Bridges in Public Health: Insights from the Washington State Public Health Association Conference
This October, Flourish & Thrive Labs had the privilege of participating in the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) Conference in Yakima, Washington. As a break sponsor, our team, led by Chief Revenue Officer Nebu Kolenchery, had the opportunity to engage with public health professionals from across the state and contribute to meaningful discussions about the future of public health.
Emerging Themes in Public Health
Several key themes emerged during the conference that align closely with our mission to strengthen public health systems:
Artificial Intelligence in Public Health
The integration of AI in public health emerged as a central topic of discussion. We shared our work with the Ottawa County Department of Public Health to create an AI Policydemonstrating practical applications of AI in public health settings. Our innovative approach to electronic case reporting (eCR) garnered particular interest, as health departments across the state explore ways to leverage AI technology effectively.
Workforce Development and Engagement
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the critical importance of workforce development. Public health leaders expressed keen interest in strategies for engaging and retaining talented professionals while addressing current workforce challenges. Attendees were delighted by our monthly Coffee & Connect sessions that foster connection with public health staff across the US.
Community Health Assessment Implementation
Many attendees shared their experiences with Community Health Assessments (CHA) and Community Health Improvement Plans (CHIP). While recognizing these tools’ vital importance for community health, participants discussed implementation challenges and sought practical solutions.
Fostering Connection and Community
One of the conference highlights was sharing our popular public health-themed stickers, which resonated strongly with attendees. Our stickers are always a fan favorite and it was such fun to see attendees placing them on their badges and water bottles.
Looking Forward: Continuing the Conversation
To maintain the momentum and foster ongoing collaboration, we invited conference attendees to join our monthly Coffee & Connect sessions, held on the last Thursday of every month. These sessions provide a valuable platform for public health professionals to network and share experiences across jurisdictional boundaries.
Conclusion
The 2024 WSPHA Conference reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and community in public health. As we look ahead, Flourish & Thrive Labs remains committed to supporting public health departments in their mission to serve their communities effectively.
We are grateful for the opportunity to have participated in this year’s conference and look forward to continuing our engagement with the Washington State public health community in the years to come.
