This Community Conversation will focus on the Children, Adolescents, and School Health Community of Practice. This virtual conversation is open to anyone interested in connecting about shared interest, research, and practice in health equity. You will have the opportunity to meet other SOPHE members with similar interests, share more about your own interests and work, and discuss future collaborations. All experience levels are welcome including students, early career professionals, and experienced professionals. 

Reproductive health is a fundamental component of health and well-being throughout the lifespan. Despite advances in healthcare and public health practice, substantial disparities in reproductive health outcomes persist across populations and communities. Health literacy plays a critical role in shaping individuals' ability to access, understand, evaluate, and use reproductive health information to make informed decisions, yet inequities in education, healthcare access, and social conditions continue to create barriers to optimal reproductive health.

Using a life-course perspective, this keynote will examine how reproductive health literacy influences health outcomes from adolescence through older adulthood and explore the social, structural, and environmental factors that contribute to reproductive health inequities. Drawing on current evidence and public health practice, the presentation will highlight opportunities for health educators to advance reproductive health equity through culturally responsive communication, community engagement,
advocacy, and evidence-based interventions. 

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the role of health literacy in reproductive health promotion and identify strategies to support equitable access to reproductive health information and services across diverse populations and life stages.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Identify social, cultural, economic, and environmental factors influencing reproductive health outcomes.

2. Communicate evidence-based reproductive health information to diverse audiences.

HESPA III Competencies Include:

1.1.6 |Entry| Examine the factors and determinants that influence the assessment process.

7.1.3 Entry Identify credible and evidence-informed sources of information in order to promote factual messages

9.1.4 |Entry| Promote health equity. 

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126022DL.

This webinar will highlight the Center for Alaska Native Health Research’s current research programs and real-world innovations designed to improve behavioral health, prevent chronic disease, and address the public health impacts of environmental stressors in rural communities, while building upon the strengths and resilience capacities within Alaska Native communities. Participants will explore how strengths-based, community-driven approaches and partnerships with Tribal Health Organizations can inform effective health education and health promotion practice, with consideration for how these approaches may be thoughtfully adapted to other Indigenous and Tribal contexts. 

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Explain Alaska’s unique public health landscape and identify key cultural and community factors that inform effective health education and health promotion strategies in Alaska Native communities with considerations for how these approaches may be adapted to other Indigenous and Tribal contexts.  

2. Describe and apply examples of strengths-based, community-driven health promotion and prevention strategies developed by Alaska Native communities and Tribal Health Organizations in partnership with the Center for Alaska Native Health Research. 

HESPA III Competencies that will be covered include: 

1.1.6 |Entry| Examine the factors and determinants that influence the assessment process. 

9.2.3 |Entry| Utilize tools designed to reflect cultural humility, inclusivity, and sensitivity (e.g., National 
Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) Standards, self-assessment). 

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126019DL.

This webinar will focus on public health workforce development and student mentoring through competency-based education, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Using insights from the Gaining Equity in Training for Public Health Informatics and Technology (GET PHIT) Summer Bootcamp at Prairie View A&M University, the session will highlight innovative approaches for preparing and mentoring the next generation of public health professionals. Participants will learn about strategies for integrating public health informatics, health equity, data literacy, and workforce readiness curriculum into educational and training programs. The webinar will examine how structured mentoring, hands-on learning experiences, and interdisciplinary partnerships can enhance student engagement, professional development, and career preparedness. Practical examples from the GET PHIT program will demonstrate how competency-based training can strengthen workforce pipelines, increase diversity in public health professions, and equip students with the skills needed to address complex population health challenges and advance health equity in their communities.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize key strategies for preparing students for careers in public health through informatics, health equity, and workforce development training.
2. Discuss effective mentoring and hands-on learning practices that support student success and workforce readiness in public health.

Competencies that will be covered include: 

2.1.2 |Entry| Facilitate collaborative efforts among stakeholders to sustain engagement.

3.2.1|Entry| Create an environment tailored to the program objectives. 

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126021DL.

In the United States, more than one in four adults experiences a disability. According to the CDC, people with disabilities are three times more likely to experience chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer. This lecture explores the health disparities faced by people with disabilities and introduces Universal Design as a framework for creating more inclusive health programs and services. 

Participants will learn key principles and practical strategies of Universal Design that promote equitable access and meaningful participation for all individuals. The session highlights why Universal Design is essential in health promotion and demonstrates how inclusive approaches benefit the widest possible audience, including people with disabilities. Through real-world examples, the presentation illustrates how Universal Design can be applied across healthcare access, education, health messaging, and program activities.

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:  

1. Describe Universal Design and how it benefits meaningful engagement for all audiences 
2. Explain disability and the benefits of inclusive health programming for individuals with disabilities  
3. Demonstrate strategies to incorporate universal design and implement accessible health programming   

HESPA III Competencies Include:

9.1.4 |Entry| Promote health equity.

9.2.2 |Entry| Foster a positive organizational culture and climate that respects individual characteristics and needs.

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126018DL.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way health educators teach, train, and prepare future professionals. When used thoughtfully, AI can provide learners with realistic practice opportunities that strengthen communication skills, cultural responsiveness, professional preparation, and confidence in addressing complex public health conversations. However, the integration of AI into education also raises important ethical considerations related to accuracy, bias, transparency, environmental sustainability, and professional competency development.

Drawing from prior experiences as Chair of the Health Sciences Program at the University of Alaska Anchorage, this webinar will explore practical and ethical applications of AI in health educator training. Participants will learn how AI-powered simulations and role-playing activities can be used to prepare students for motivational interviewing, professional interactions, and communication with diverse populations, including wide variety of age ranges, vaccine-hesitant individuals, and people with varying health literacy levels. The session will also examine strategies for ensuring AI enhances rather than replaces critical thinking, empathy, and evidence-based health education practice.

Participants should leave this webinar being able to: 

1. Describe ethical considerations associated with the use of artificial intelligence in health educator training.

2. Identify AI-enhanced instructional strategies that support the development of communication and professional preparation skills among health education students and practitioners.

3. Evaluate the opportunities and limitations of AI-generated simulations for supporting professional preparation and workforce readiness among future health educators.

Competencies that will be covered include: 

7.1.2 Identify the assets, needs, values, and characteristics of the audience(s) that affect communication and message design (e.g., literacy levels, culture, cognitive and perceptual abilities).  

7.3.3 Tailor message(s) for the audience(s) (e.g., culturally appropriate, accessible).

9.1 Practice in accordance with established ethical principles.

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126020DL.

This Community Conversation will focus on the Health Communications Community of Practice. This virtual conversation is open to anyone interested in connecting about shared interest, research, and practice in health equity. You will have the opportunity to meet other SOPHE members with similar interests, share more about your own interests and work, and discuss future collaborations. All experience levels are welcome including students, early career professionals, and experienced professionals. 

This Community Conversation will focus on the Healthy Aging Community of Practice. This virtual conversation is open to anyone interested in connecting about shared interest, research, and practice in health equity. You will have the opportunity to meet other SOPHE members with similar interests, share more about your own interests and work, and discuss future collaborations. All experience levels are welcome including students, early career professionals, and experienced professionals. 

This Community Conversation will focus on the University Faculty Community of Practice. This virtual conversation is open to anyone interested in connecting about shared interest, research, and practice in health equity. You will have the opportunity to meet other SOPHE members with similar interests, share more about your own interests and work, and discuss future collaborations. All experience levels are welcome including students, early career professionals, and experienced professionals. 

Learn how psychological safety influences employee well-being, job satisfaction, and organizational culture. Gain insight into Dr. Amy Edmondson’s definition and stages of psychological safety as markers of team development. Recognize the critical role leadership plays in shaping perceptions of safety and fostering trust. Discover how strategic disruption can challenge toxic norms and build inclusive, supportive workplaces. Engage in experiential learning to identify what psychological safety feels like and apply Boundary Spanning Leadership tools to create environments where individuals and teams can thrive.

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Examine the archetype of trauma-informed leadership as an organizational driver of psychological safety
2. Explore how the public health workforce experiences psychological safety through case study analysis

HESPA III Competencies include: 

8.2.8 |Adv| Apply team building and conflict resolution techniques as appropriate.

9.2.2 |Entry| Foster a positive organizational culture and climate that respects individual characteristics and needs. 

Sponsored by the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE), a designated provider of continuing education contact hours (CECH) in health education by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. This program is designated for Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES®) and/or Master Certified Health Education Specialists (MCHES®) to receive up to 1.0 total Category I contact education contact hours. Maximum advanced-level continuing education contact hours available for this session is 0. Provider ID #98029 and Activity ID 0126029DL.