Wisconsin Public Health Association

01/04/2026

Join our members-only Policy Hour on Jan 22nd @ 11 a.m.! 💡 Connect with colleagues, hear policy updates, and share your insights. This quarter: meet our lobbyists, learn about policy 101, and discuss h**p resources & current issues. Your voice matters! 🗣️

Now's the best time to join WPHA for the year and take advantage of these opportunities (members, be sure to sign in!)
https://www.wpha.org/events/EventDetails.aspx?id=2022838

01/03/2026

Join the Wisconsin Public Health Association again in 2026 as we continue advancing a strong, diverse, and inclusive public health workforce. We are seeking dynamic presenters and trainers to lead a virtual learning series focused on building practical skills for working in inclusive environments and strengthening the public health career pipeline through a racial equity lens. This series will support public health professionals at all stages as we work together to shape a more equitable future for public health in Wisconsin.

A budget for honorarium will be provided upon selection and agreement. More information and submission guidelines here!: https://www.wpha.org/news/717368/Call-for-Session-Proposals-Racial-Equity-Series.htm

12/30/2025

12/29/2025

It’s been an honor to serve as WPHA President during a year of extraordinary challenges. Public health policy and science have faced upheaval, and funding cuts are threatening critical programs like SNAP and Medicaid. Grants have been pulled back—not due to performance, but politics—leaving populations vulnerable and the workforce on edge.

Despite this, WPHA members have stepped up. We’ve expanded federal engagement, launched new advocacy opportunities through our partnership with Michael Best Strategies, and strengthened education on lobbying.

We introduced the Substance Use Section to address urgent issues like unregulated THC/h**p products. We celebrated legislative wins—from the Governor vetoing the To***co Bar bill to securing protections for health professionals and advancing practice authority. Hopefully, we’ll see more success in early 2026 with priority bills like the fatality review legislation.

Our 2026-2028 strategic and action plans keep us focused on collaboration, member support, and critical issues. WPHA is strong because of you—the time you invest in this organization—and because of our dedicated staff, board, section and committee leaders, and members who make it a great association to be part of. A special shoutout to Jamie Michael as she keeps us on track!

It’s been a privilege to lead, and I’m optimistic about what’s ahead!

12/18/2025

Deadline Today | December 18th!

Conference Theme: Mobilizing for Health: Creating Change Together

Conference Objectives:

Inspire cross-sector partners to share creative solutions and collectively advocate for policies & systems that sustain healthy, thriving communities.
Build community by broadening participation, championing fairness and access, and enhancing civic engagement.
Strengthen our public health workforce by investing in people, collaboration, and innovation.

The 2026 Conference will again offer a hybrid format, combining an in-person experience with the option for virtual attendance through Whova, our conference app. For more details and to submit your session abstract, please review the call for proposals form at this link by Thursday, December 18. The Committee will notify selected presenters by end of January.

All presenters with accepted abstracts must register for the Conference and cover the registration fee. A discount code of approximately $75 off will be available to presenters to help reduce the cost.

https://form.jotform.com/253214589368164

12/17/2025

Congratulations to our newly elected board and nominations committee members!

Please join us in their welcome & congratulations! Thank you to all of our candidates and also our outgoing board members:

Kristie Egge, Adrian Jones, Lola Awoyinka, and Jasia Steinmetz!

12/11/2025

Be part of Mobilizing for Health: Creating Change Together at the 2026 Conference @ the Wilderness Resort in Wisconsin Dells!

We’re looking for dynamic, engaging sessions that spark action and move public health forward. Whether you’re innovating in a rural community, leading climate solutions, strengthening communication strategies, lifting up community-led work, or advancing civic engagement—you have a story worth sharing.

✨ Why Present? Just to name a few!:
Presenters with accepted abstracts receive an additional $75 discount on conference registration!

Showcase Your Expertise: Share your innovations, insights, and success stories with professionals across Wisconsin and beyond.

Expand Your Network: Connect with peers, collaborators, and decision-makers who can help amplify your work.

Elevate Your Organization: Highlight programs, partnerships, and initiatives that are making a real impact in your community.

Submit at this link: https://form.jotform.com/253214589368164

12/11/2025

Today's featured job! Work with state public health associations as a project manager! This position will work on workforce related initiatives and support policy in Wisconsin's public health workforce.

https://tinyurl.com/4xt4h92b

12/10/2025

WPHA President, Maureen Busalacchi, along with other health experts like Dr. Jonathan Temte (University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, and Dr. Margaret Hennessy (Wisconsin Chapter of the AAP, provided input on the update to the Hepatitis B vaccine schedule.

Wisconsin health leaders worry changes to a federal recommendation to vaccinate newborns against hepatitis B will create unnecessary confusion for families and providers.

12/08/2025

It's been great for WPHA to prioritize our partnerships and building visibility for our profession in other spaces. Last week, Past President Kristie and President-Elect Geeta were able to attend the WOW Collaborative (Wisconsin Owns Well-being) Meeting.

The WOW Collaborative aims to create a shared vision for Wisconsin's safety net and the individuals and communities served, and to spur and mature partnerships that will bring the vision to fruition.

12/08/2025

Great to have opportunities to meet w legislators like Representative Lisa Subeck through our section work! Thank you to the Representative, and thanks to our members for joining in person office hours! 🤓

On Friday, I met with members of the Wisconsin Public Health Association’s Health Promotion Section during their visit to Madison. We talked about effective advocacy and ways to build strong relationships with legislators as they continue their important work on public health issues.

12/05/2025

From Maureen Busalacchi, WPHA President: "Thank you to Governor Tony Evers for his leadership in protecting smoke-free air, and to all of you for your support and advocacy - those that emailed and called their legislators, responded to action alerts, or reached out to the Governor's office! So many have worked so hard to deliver smoke-free air in Wisconsin and we are glad to have been a part of keeping it this way."

American Lung Association in Wisconsin American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network Wisconsin - ACS CAN American Heart Association

Let's keep WI smoke-free!