Minnesota Public Health Association 2021 Annual Conference
“Bold and Humble - Engaging in Anti-Racist Public Health"
April 29-30, 2021
Virtual conference

Welcome to the call for proposals for the MPHA 2021 Annual Conference!

*** The deadline to submit a proposal for breakout sessions has closed. Submissions received after January 13th may be considered for the poster session; please email admin@mpha.net ahead of time for acknowledgment of your intention to submit. ***
 
The conference theme “Bold and Humble - Engaging in Anti-Racist Public Health" will examine how racial justice intersects with different areas of public health, as described below.

For concurrent sessions, we are seeking presentations which align with MPHA's Strategic Plan in at least one of these 3 focus areas:
1) Building Capacity for Diversity, Strength and Longevity (for racial equity)
2) Strengthen Public Health Practice (for racial equity)
3) Build a Public Health Movement (for racial equity)

For poster submissions, presentations are welcomed on a variety of topics relating to the conference theme and objectives.

You may submit more than one proposal (e.g., a breakout session and poster submission).

For 2021, MPHA is pleased to be able to offer breakout presenters a small stipend of $150 (max $300 per session). This compensation is a step toward equality and justice by recognizing intellectual property costs, especially of Black, American Indian, and presenters of color, and those who may face financial barriers in contributing their time at our conference. This modest stipend is in addition to complimentary admission to the conference for all presenters.

Presenters who are not current MPHA members, will have an opportunity to join.

Please direct any questions to Merry Grande, MPHA Executive Director, <admin@mpha.net>.

To view a .pdf preview of the RFP questions, please visit: https://mpha.net/resources/Event%20Docs/Annual%20Conference%202021/MPHA%20RFP%20Form%202021.pdf

OVERVIEW:

The Minnesota Public Health Association (MPHA)’s Annual Conference will be held April 29-30, 2021 in a virtual format. The conference will be held via Zoom for two half days (approximately 1-4 pm on April 29 and 9 am-12 pm on April 30th).

The 2021 theme is: “Bold and Humble - Engaging in Anti-Racist Public Health".

Racism has been declared a Public Health Crisis...but what happens next? The public health community has talked about this for so long, how can we assure ourselves and each other this is a movement, not just a moment?

Addressing today’s public health challenges requires innovation and collaboration. This conference will elevate Minnesota-based initiatives on racial justice work & its intersectionality with a variety of public health topics such as disabilities and accessibility, sexual orientation and gender identity, chronic disease, aging, injury and violence prevention, mental health, environmental, maternal and child health, and other timely topics. Learn about the issues and resilience of the work being done through bold, innovative approaches and thoughtful, courageous collaborations.

The American Public Health Association’s president, José Ramón Fernández-Peña, MD, MPA, will deliver a keynote address. Additional national plenary speakers, breakout sessions, and an online poster hall are being planned. Conference content will align with MPHA’s Strategic Plan and allow space for individual reflection and future action.

The MPHA annual meeting gathers public health professionals at every level – students, mid-career professionals, retired experts – from around the state to exchange information and create a healthier Minnesota through effective public health practice and engaged citizens.  

Dedicated public health professionals and interested community members who want to connect with peers, pick up new ideas and gain skills to bring back to their workplace or community are encouraged to attend. Application will be made for public health nursing, CHES/MCHES/CPH continuing education credits.

CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES:

Upon conclusion of the conference, attendees will:

1. Gain increased understanding of the complexity of public health challenges and identify strategies and action steps for addressing them.
2. Develop new knowledge and skills to address structural racism and health equity to enhance community health in Minnesota.
3. Leave empowered with tools and specific actions to bring back to your organizations to make a meaningful impact.
4. Become emboldened to go on your own anti-racist journey.