SPHHS Dean’s Seminar to Discuss Health Policy Advocacy in Today’s Climate

The School of Public Health and Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Elaine Marieb College of Nursing and the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS), invites the campus community to attend the SPHHS dean's seminar, "Health Policy Advocacy in Today's Climate: Expert Experiences & Guidance," on Friday, Oct. 3 from noon-1 p.m. in the IALS Conference Center, LSL S330-340.

"Health Policy Advocacy in Today's Climate: Expert Experiences & Guidance" will bring together leaders in healthcare policy and administration for a panel discussion on how the campus community can actively seek support at the state and national level for public health research and initiatives at this critical juncture in our country.

Moderated by Kathy Roberts Forde, SBS associate dean of equity and inclusion and professor of journalism, the seminar will include panelists:

• Elizabeth Chen, professor of practice in health promotion and policy and director of the online MHA program
• Christine Schrauf, '68 B.S. '75 M.S., health policy committee co-chair for the American Nurses Association Massachusetts and Elaine Marieb College of Nursing alumni board member
• Dr. Maryanne Bombaugh, M.D., '17 M.B.A., '79 M.S., physician at Community Health Center and past president of the Massachusetts Medical Society

Massachusetts state government is heavily invested in health, with an Executive Office of Health and Human Services projected budget of over $33 billion for FY26, a line item that has increased while other sectors of government support have narrowed. With a well-established history of support via health councils, committees and advisory groups, the commonwealth has often been a leader in prioritizing all communities, especially rural and underserved communities, in their planning. But, like all governments, bureaucracy exists and creates challenges.

The panelists at this event will share their leadership experiences in advocacy, engage with faculty, staff, students and the public on why their advocacy efforts are important and how they can get involved, and discuss real-life knowledge - imparted not in the classroom, but from passionate advocates who have done the work at the State House in Boston for years.

For more information and to register for the seminar, visit the SPHHS website.