Leadership, Management and Workforce Development
Sharing Session - 60 Minutes
Matthew Penn, JD, MLIS
Director
PHLP/CSTLTS/CDC
F. Abigail Ferrell, JD, MPA
Team Lead, Outreach and Partnership
Public Health Law Program, CDC
Donald Benken, JD, MPH
Deputy Director
CDC, CSTLTS, Public Health Law Program
Law and public health are inextricably intertwined: public health law not only forms the foundation of public health systems, it is in and of itself a social determinant of health. Understanding the breadth of impact public health laws have and its significance to everyday public health practice is critical. Understanding law and policy is also critical to the nation’s efforts to support public health department accreditation. Standard 6.2 specifically requires that health departments “educate individuals and organizations on the meaning, purpose, and benefit of public health laws, and how to comply.” The requirements elucidated by Standard 6.2 can be met through the understanding and application of legal epidemiology. With the increasing number of practitioners seeking training in legal epidemiology methodologies and the growing body of literature in this field, it is becoming more and more important for public health practitioners to have access to tools and information to build their capacity to integrate evidence based legal and policy strategies into local public health efforts. This session will explore tools, resources, and networks intended to help fill this gap. Presenters will highlight legal research and other policy-related resources that can provide decision-makers and public health professionals with the necessary tools and information to identify and implement laws, policies, and programs to improve population health in their own communities and will provide practical tips for engaging as well as hands-on opportunity for participants to consider and develop strategies for integrating evidence-based legal and policy strategies to address local public health goals.