Boise State University’s School of Public and Population Health students, alumni, and faculty members recently presented at Idaho’s Health Priorities Conference. The conference aimed to bring together various stakeholders including health care organizations, public health advocates, government officials, academics, and Idaho leaders to discuss strategies for improving population health through strategic alliances and amplifying the voices of disproportionately affected communities.
At the conference, Adrian Rodriguez, a Master of Public Health student from Boise State University, presented a project titled “Engaging Hispanic Communities in Public Health Programming: Success and Barriers Identified by Public Health Professionals.” Rodriguez was supported in this project by School of Public and Population Health Assistant Professor Taylor Neher.
Another presentation at the conference focused on empowering Idaho’s Kincare families impacted by substance use disorder. Research associates Edwina French and Jennifer Nguyen presented on this topic with support from School of Public and Population Health Associate Professor Mac McCullough.
Mac McCullough also delivered a keynote address at the conference along with School of Public and Population Health Affiliate Faculty Member Traci Berreth on “Improving Population Health through Strategic Partnerships.” Ashley Harris, a Master of Public Health graduate from Boise State University, presented research on “Understanding Connections Between Public Health Districts and Individuals who have Recently Been Released from Carceral Systems in the State of Idaho,” with support from Professor Sarah Toevs, Assistant Professor Taylor Neher, and Clinical Assistant Professor Desmond Banks.
Finally, Sheila Weaver, Center for Study of Aging Lead Navigator and Program Coordinator from Boise State University alumni also made a presentation at the conference on “Helping the Helpers: Navigating Compassion Fatigue in Caregiving.” The diverse range of presentations showcased the dedication and commitment of Boise State’s School of Public and Population Health community to addressing pressing public health issues in Idaho.
