2022 KPHA Annual Conference
Engage, Collaborate, Grow: Strengthening the Kansas Public Health System
You will not want to miss this one day opportunity to hear from expert speakers as well as network with fellow public health professionals as we work together to enhance the public health infrastructure in our state.
We’re excited to be back in-person this year! If you are unable to attend in-person, we do have a limited virtual option available. Virtual attendees will have access to all keynotes and two pre-selected breakout sessions.
Thursday, September 29, 2022 – 9AM-4:30PM
Wichita State University – Wichita, KS
Connect and Honor
Annual Membership Meeting and Awards
2022 Recipients:
Samuel J. Crumbine Award-Dan Partridge
Special Service Award-Dr. Jennifer Bacani McKenney & Cristi Cain
President’s Award-Eldonna Chesnut
Keynote Speakers
Ed O’Malley
Panel Discussion: Exploring the need for a more coordinated and robust public health action and research agenda in Kansas
Panel Discussion: Building a Stronger Public Health Infrastructure
Agenda
9:00 AM – Opening Remarks
9:15 AM – Keynote: Towards a Vision for Health in Kansas
Ed O’Malley, President and CEO, Kansas Health Foundation
10:45 AM – Breakout Session #1
11:30 AM – Lunch & Awards
12:30 PM – Keynote Panel: Exploring the Need for a More
Coordinated and Robust Public Health Action
and Research Agenda in Kansas
2:00 PM – Breakout Session #2
3:00 PM – Keynote Panel: Building a Stronger Public Health Infrastructure
4:00 PM – Closing Remarks
Keynote Speakers
Ed O’Malley, Founder of the Kansas Leadership Center
“Towards a Vision for Health in Kansas”
As the state of Kansas pivots from COVID crisis response to the possibilities for healthier communities everywhere, we will require new thinking, new actions and new partnerships. The Kansas Health Foundation is also experiencing a moment to pivot as we build on our history and create a new vision for the future. In this presentation, I’ll share some of Kansas Health Foundation’s current thinking about opportunities to create a healthier Kansas and invite everyone to take the bold steps necessary to transform the systems that serve Kansans.
Panel Discussion Participants
Kari Bruffett, President and CEO-Kansas Health Institute
Dr. Ed Ellerbeck, Immediate past chair and professor in the Department of Population Health-University of Kansas Medical Center
Dr. Ellyn Mulcahy, Director of the Master in Public Health Program-Kansas State University
Dr. Greg Hand, Dean of the College of Health Professions-Wichita State University
Moderator: Brandon Skidmore, Vice President-Health Systems-Sunflower Foundation
“Exploring the need for a more coordinated and robust public health action and research agenda in Kansas”
Research is one of the 10 essential public health services and is a requirement for the advancement of public health practice. Research helps public health practitioners better understand the factors that influence health and the value of evidence-based practices. And while the state’s research entities are critical to advancing public health research in Kansas, this should be a shared process that includes local and state public health agencies. Join us for a timely discussion about the Kansas public health action and research agenda and the opportunities we have to collectively move this work forward.
Panel Discussion Participants
Dr. Vicki Collie-Akers, Associate Professor, Population Health, University of Kansas Medical
Center
Aften Gardner, Health Administrator, Wallace County Health Department, KAHLD Board Member
Patrick Kelly, Douglas County Commissioner
Jason Tiller, Director, Saline County Health Department, KAHLD Board President
Moderator: Cristi Cain, Director of the Local Public Health Program, KDHE
“Building a Stronger Public Health Infrastructure”
As our communities and public health professionals move forward through and beyond the COVID-19
pandemic, a strong public health network throughout Kansas has never been more important. This
panel presentation will examine the current public health infrastructure as well as present opportunities
to strengthen our networks. Participants will hear from a variety of public health professionals and
officials about their goals, current approaches and sustainability of the public health workforce and
infrastructure in Kansas.
Past Conferences
2021 Virtual Conference
2020 Virtual Conference
Our Past Annual Membership Meeting was on November 19, 2020.
Learn More About KPHA
Promoting & Improving Population Health in Kansas
KPHA has been influencing policies and setting priorities in public health for Kansas since 1920.
Throughout our history, we have been at the forefront of numerous efforts to prevent disease and promote health.
The Kansas Public Health Association (KPHA) is the oldest and largest organization of public health professionals in the state, representing more than 250 members from over 20 occupations and organizations.
KPHA brings together researchers, health service providers, administrators, teachers, and other health workers in a unique, multidisciplinary environment of professional exchange, study, and action.
KPHA is concerned with a broad set of issues affecting personal and environmental health, including federal and state funding for health programs, pollution control, programs and policies related to chronic and infectious diseases, a smoke-free society, and professional education in public health.