TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will kick off its annual Governor’s Public Health Conference on March 29 in Manhattan, KS. This year’s event will bring in a record number of attendees, with more than 500 public health professionals from the state’s local health departments, public health nurses, maternal and child health staff, and other leaders together in person. The conference will take place through March 30 and will have more than 30 unique breakout sessions.
KDHE’s annual conference brings together the brightest minds in public health to share ideas on the top issues impacting our state’s health. Dozens of sessions and presentations will showcase the latest information that will prepare public health professionals for future challenges in reducing the burden of chronic disease, preventing unintentional injuries, and improving the health and well-being of all populations.
“We are excited to be back in Manhattan to support one another in advancing statewide public health initiatives,” said KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek. “While events over the last few years have created unprecedented challenges for us, they have also created new opportunities that energzie us to keep these important conversations and discussions going.
The three-day event will feature local and nationally recognized speakers on today’s relevant leadership and public health topics, including four keynote presentations and 30 breakout sessions organized into four tracks: Maternal and Child Health, Family Planning, Public Health Leadership, and drug-endangered children. Paul Butler, an internationally known speaker, presenter, instructor, and entertainer, headlines the keynote speakers. He will speak on “Leadership for a lifetime: How the past prepares us for the future.”
Other keynote speakers include Dr. Tiffany Anderson, superintendent for USD 501. She will speak on “Promising practices: Health equity in schools and communities.” Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Professor of Public Health and founding director of the Pediatric Public Health Initiative, and Dr. Monte Selby, superintendent, musician, and trainer. They will speak about “What the eyes don’t see: Stories from the frontlines of the Flint water crisis” and “What hit songwriters can teach us about health and learning,” respectively. Governor Kelly is scheduled to speak on March 29 at 3:30 p.m.
For more information about the Governors Public Health Conference 2023, visit online here.
