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2026 Public Health Conference of Iowa Sessions

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Leading by Serving in Public Health: The Power of Servant Leadership, Facilitative Leadership, and Followership

Opening Keynote

Speakers
  • Himar Hernandez
Summary
This session invites rural Iowa health leaders to explore how service-driven leadership can strengthen local communities and organizations. Rooted in values like humility, collaboration, and trust, this session highlights practical ways to lead by lifting others. Discover how embracing followership and facilitative leadership can build resilient teams and foster meaningful change, right where you live and lead.

The Heartland Study: Assessing Herbicide Exposure on Pregnancy Outcomes in the Midwest

Breakout 1

Speakers
  • Audrey Tran Lam
  • David Haas
Summary
This presentation will highlight the Heartland Study, a large-scale research project investigating herbicide exposure in Iowa and its potential impacts on pregnancy, child health, and epigenetic outcomes. Launched in 2019, the study addresses gaps in understanding environmental chemical exposures in the U.S. Cornbelt. Early Phase I results and insights from three years of enrollment will be shared, along with a preview of plans for Phase II.

Pioneering a New Model for Healthy, Disaster-Resilient Communities

Breakout 1

Speakers
  • Cody Smith
  • Sarah Howe
Summary
Iowa communities are no stranger to floods, droughts, heat waves, and other devastating extreme weather. This presentation will provide an experiential learning opportunity for attendees to learn strategies and methods for increasing community resilience to extreme weather. The Iowa Environmental Council will provide actionable guidance on helping better serve vulnerable populations before, during, and after extreme weather events.

Combined Session: Building Health at Home Through Tertiary Prevention AND Age Friendly Public Health Care in Rural Iowa using the 4M's

Breakout 1

Speakers
  • Sydney Marshman
  • Betty Mallen
  • Samantha Severson
Summary
Tertiary Prevention: This session will explore how home modifications can serve as tertiary prevention by stabilizing health, reducing injury, and supporting long-term independence for older adults and people with disabilities. Drawing on county-level experience with federally funded programs, it will highlight the intersection of occupational therapy and public health to address environmental barriers and social determinants of health. Participants will learn how low-cost, high-impact interventions and collaborations with weatherization and repair programs can enhance safety, prevent decline, and delay transitions to higher levels of care. The session will emphasize reframing home modifications as prevention, demonstrating how housing improvements, caregiver education, and resource navigation can improve health outcomes and promote equity. 4M's: This presentation will explore the growing older adult population and how age-friendly public health care can meet their unique needs. It will introduce the 6C’s framework (Connecting, Convening, Coordinating, Collecting, Communicating, & Complementing) and the 4M’s mnemonic (What Matters, Medications, Mentation, Mobility) as practical tools for assessment and resource connection. A local example will illustrate how these approaches promote prevention and address older adults’ needs. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn how to apply these strategies in their own counties.

Coughs and Cooling Towers: Unpacking the Marshalltown Legionellosis Response

Breakout 1

Speakers
  • Sydney Grewell
  • Matt Donahue
Summary
This presentation highlights Marshall County’s coordinated public health response to a Legionella outbreak, emphasizing rapid identification, containment, and mitigation. It explores how local, state, and federal partners collaborated to investigate the outbreak, assess environmental sources, implement control measures, and communicate effectively with the community. Attendees will gain practical insights into outbreak investigation protocols, interagency coordination, environmental health strategies, and lessons learned to strengthen preparedness and public health infrastructure for future outbreaks.

Level Up Advocacy: IPHA & IEHA Policy Updates

Breakout 1

Speakers
  • Lina Tucker Reinders
  • Jared Parmater
Summary
It's time to level up. This session highlights key legislative wins, challenges, and ways to power up your advocacy during the 2026 session and beyond.

Leveling Up on Emerging Trends: Using the National Poison Data System to Track Kratom Exposure Cases in Iowa

Breakout 2

Speakers
  • Janna Day
Summary
The Iowa Poison Control Center has the unique ability to monitor exposure trends statewide and nationally through the National Poison Data System (NPDS). NPDS, maintained by America's Poison Centers, is a national database of information logged by the countries 53 poison centers, which serve all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, Federated States of Micronesia, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam (1,2). This presentation will review ten years of Kratom-related exposure calls reported to the Iowa Poison Control Center using data from the National Poison Data System (NPDS), a nationwide database tracking poison exposures across all U.S. states and territories.

Dashboard Demon Hunter

Breakout 2

Speakers
  • Megan Meyers
  • Christie Rossi
Summary
A Linn County Public Health nurse has been embedded in the emergency department and works with Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids (MMC) staff to have access to patient charts that have been coded as an ER visit for substance misuse disorder, sexually transmitted infection, or both. This presentation will discuss how the initial relationship with MMC was formed and the process of developing an MOU. We will walk through the meetings between LCPH and MMC staff and how the LPCH nurse was able to gain access to patient medical records to conduct chart reviews.

Advancing Rural Health Transformation Through Iowa's Community Care Hub Model: A Scalable Framework for Integrated, Person - Centered Care

Breakout 2

Speakers
  • Jimmy Reyes
  • Trina Radske-Suchan
Summary
Advancing Rural Health Transformation through Iowa's Community Care Hub (CCH) Model. This presentation highlights Iowa's statewide CCH model, connecting health systems, public health, and CBOs via shared data and referral pathways. Learn how this scalable, community-driven infrastructure supports interoperability, chronic disease prevention, and workforce sustainability in rural communities. We will explore the phased FHIR integration plan, progress, and its potential for value-based payment models, ultimately creating a replicable framework for integrated medical and social care.

Better Together: Advancing Community Health and Health Care Professional Training Through an Academic Public Health Department

Breakout 2

Speakers
  • Julia Van Liew
  • Juliann Van Liew
Summary
This presentation will describe the development of an Academic Public Health Department partnership between the Polk County Health Department and Des Moines University. It will highlight mentored student research aligned with county priorities and service-learning experiences that support public health programming while enhancing medical student training. The session will show how aligning academic resources with local needs expanded research capacity, community outreach, and reduced staff burden. Lessons learned and strategies for sustaining and replicating similar partnerships will conclude the presentation.

From the Campaign Trail to the Clinic: Lessons in Values-Based Communication for a Healthier Iowa

Breakout 2

Speakers
  • Nicole Loew
  • Deborah Thompson
Summary
Join Dr. Nicole Loew and Deborah Thompson, MPA, for a dynamic session exploring how Iowa’s public health professionals can lead with empathy and political fluency. Drawing from Loew’s 500-day campaign for the Iowa Senate and Thompson’s experience as a legislative liaison, this session reveals how values-based communication can bridge divides and rebuild trust in rural communities. Participants will learn how to reframe messages using Moral Theory Foundation and values-based communication to strengthen credibility and collaboration across political and geographic lines. It’s time for public health to step into political conversations courageously, compassionately, and effectively.

Combined Session: Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention: Finding the Hidden Hazards from Paint to Spices AND Dual Threat: Radon, Smoking, and the Future of Lung Cancer Prevention in Iowa

Breakout 3

Speakers
  • Alicia Sanders
  • Jason Semprini
Summary
Lead Poisoning: Lead based paint in homes built before 1978 continues to be the most common source of childhood lead poisoning in Iowa. In recent years however, other lead contaminated sources that are not lead based paint, have been found to be a contributing factor to a child who is lead poisoned. These contaminated sources are often times not found until after the initial elevated blood lead (EBL) investigation is completed. This is due to follow up testing showing the child's blood lead level is not decreasing. Ms. Sanders will share the cases that she has worked on and how the outside sources of lead poisoning were discovered. She also will share lessons learned and how these lessons have helped shape EBL investigations in Woodbury County moving forward. Dual Threat: This session will review the biology and epidemiology of cigarette smoking and radon to highlight Iowa’s high risk: projected highest smoking prevalence by 2035, the highest radon levels, and lung cancer as the state’s second-highest and fastest-growing cancer. Using 50 years of data, it will present dynamic lung cancer trends, historic and emerging hotspots, and how smoking patterns and radon levels interact, with an emphasis on Iowa compared to other states.

Railroad 101: Preparedness and Response

Breakout 3

Speakers
  • Derek Lampkin
Summary
This session covers emergency response operations associated with railroad incidents, with a focus on effective coordination between emergency responders and Class I Railroads. Participants will learn the fundamentals of railroad operations, incident notification procedures, and the roles and responsibilities of railroad personnel during emergencies.

Your SMILE, Your HEART, Your HEALTH

Breakout 3

Speakers
  • Tinika Roland
  • Hayley Harvey
Summary
This presentation will explore the connection between oral health, heart health, and overall wellness. It will highlight research linking poor oral health to cardiovascular disease and emphasize prevention as a key strategy to reduce risk. Participants will learn practical lifestyle strategies to support a healthy smile and a healthy heart.

Combined Session: Dealing with Dementia Through Innovation AND Bringing Brain Health to the Community

Breakout 3

Speakers
  • Greg Woods
  • Jessica Nelsen
  • Max Hansen
Summary
Dementia: With a rapidly growing number of Iowans affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), dementia infrastructure in our state became scattered and siloed. The ADRD Program at Iowa HHS was created in 2020 by national bipartisan legislation, and over the last five years this small team has employed a variety of innovative ways to connect people to resources, build awareness, decrease stigma and improve coordination of services. Hear from the ADRD Program Coordinator and Engagement Coordinator on their multifaceted approach to change how Iowans deal with dementia---and how similar strategies could be used in other public health issues. Brain Health: Underserved communities face disproportionate risks for dementia due to limited access to preventive care, education, and early intervention. This presentation highlights the implementation and evaluation of a mobile clinic–based, community-engaged program designed to improve brain health awareness and reduce modifiable dementia risk factors among middle-aged and older adults in Eastern Iowa.

Iowa’s History of Substance Use: Over-Coming Stigma and Utilization of Opioid Settlement Funds followed by a local health department panel discussion

Breakout 3

Speakers
  • Deborah Thompson
  • Summer Saylor
  • Carissa Brown
  • Ryan Dokter
  • Griffin Hickey
  • Heather Meador
  • Katie Thornton-Lang
Summary
This presentation will highlight Iowa’s history of substance use and treatment to inform current approaches in light of the Opioid Settlement Funds and the opportunities they bring. Following the presentation, representatives from local public health departments will share experiences using Opioid Settlement Funds.

So, You’re New Here: Lessons From the Field in Water Quality, Septic Systems, and Environmental Health Practices

Breakout 4

Speakers
  • Taylor Egesdal
  • Allison Pugh
Summary
Promoting well testing and septic awareness also requires creative outreach and public education strategies. This presentation highlights the realities of learning Environmental Health in the field and offers practical takeaways for other early-career professionals seeking to build confidence, competence, and community trust.

Innovative Approaches to Reducing Access Barriers in Reproductive Health

Breakout 4

Speakers
  • Tara Shochet
  • Amy Zine
Summary
The Family Planning Council of Iowa (FPCI) works to find innovative approaches to bridge the gaps in access to sexual and reproductive healthcare across our state. In this presentation, we will begin by sharing the results of our recent contraceptive landscape analysis and the implications of our findings. We will then provide an overview, including background, details, successes to date, and next steps, of our KISS (Keeping Iowans Sexually Savvy) Kits and Harm Reduction Vending Machines programs. We'll also discuss some new and exciting progress around pharmacist provision of contraception and STI services, and our ongoing programmatic and advocacy work in that arena.

Feasibility and Acceptability of Go and Pair Go Programs for Older Adults in Iowa

Breakout 4

Speakers
  • NIck Ostrem
Summary
This session will present findings from dementia risk reduction programs using Go and Pair Go (Go played in pairs) for older adults in Eastern Iowa. Go, a traditional Asian board game, has been associated with cognitive and emotional benefits among older adults in Japan. This study assessed feasibility and acceptability of a Go program among older US adults. This presentation will provide an overview of the study design, recruitment process, and preliminary results, including attendance rate, satisfaction, and willingness to continue playing Go or Pair Go.

Advancing Recovery-Friendly Workplaces in Iowa: Results From a Statewide Employer Needs Assessment and the Development of a Designation Program

Breakout 4

Speakers
  • Diane Rohlman
  • Adam Moskowitz
Summary
This presentation will share findings from a statewide survey assessing Iowa employers’ capacity to address substance use and mental health in the workplace. Results show growing interest in supporting employee recovery, alongside gaps in knowledge and resources. In response, Iowa developed a Recovery Friendly Workplace designation program to reduce stigma, improve access to support, and strengthen workforce resilience. The session will conclude with a discussion on collaboration and opportunities to expand the program statewide.

The New Era of Dementia Prevention: Plasma Biomarkers, Early Detection, and Brain Health

Breakout 4

Speakers
  • Yogesh Shah
Summary
Strong evidence shows that up to 40–45% of dementia risk is modifiable, yet many professionals lack clear guidance on how to pair this science with emerging blood-based biomarkers. This session will explore how plasma biomarkers are transforming the early detection and management of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and how they can be combined with evidence-based, multimodal risk-reduction strategies. Participants will learn to recognize early cognitive changes, interpret biomarker results, and apply these tools to guide prevention, care planning, and next steps in both clinical and public health settings.

Iowa’s Water Use Program - Rules, Laws, and Practices

Breakout 5

Speakers
  • Chad Fields
Summary
Since its enactment in 1957, Iowa’s Water Use Program has developed a regulatory framework that includes provisions unique to Iowa as well as elements adapted from other Midwestern states. The program’s rules have been updated during periods of drought and increasing water demand, including the 1970s, 1988, and 2015. Like all other water use programs, Iowa’s water use law is administered and funded at the state level. This presentation covers the 70-year history and application of water use laws in Iowa.

Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Training

Breakout 5

Speakers
  • Abby Holt
Summary
In this training, you will learn terms that are related to opioid overdose and naloxone. You will feel comfortable administering naloxone by recognizing the signs of an overdose and knowing the steps to administer naloxone. The training will also go over where to get naloxone in your community and how your organization can get involved in naloxone distribution.

Combined Session: Creating Healthier Communities: Leveraging Activities and Partnerships through Iowa LEAP AND How to Support Healthy Eating and Active Living Throughout Iowa

Breakout 5

Speakers
  • Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt
  • Sara Sprouse
  • Katie Jones
  • Laura Paulsen
Summary
Healthier Communities: Attendees will learn how Iowa LEAP leverages community insights, strategic planning, and cross-sector collaboration to address obesity, reduce health disparities, and foster sustainable change. This session will highlight key inputs, outputs, and impacts, offering practical strategies for applying similar approaches in other communities. Healthy eating and living: This interactive and engaging session provides information on what the Healthy Eating and Active Living (HEAL) Partnership is and what organizations across Iowa can do to increase healthy eating and active living in their communities, including examples of policy, systems and environmental changes that can be implemented.

Combined Session: Preparing the Future Public Health Workforce Through Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps AND High-Impact Internships: Building Capacity While Developing Talent

Breakout 5

Speakers
  • Sofie Dollison-McGill
  • Vickie Miene
  • Sam Jarvis
Summary
Americorps: The Iowa Public Health AmeriCorps program aims to comprehensively support and strengthen the existing public health workforce by providing member service for community-based prevention, essential public health services, preparedness, response, and recovery initiatives throughout Iowa. Learn how the scope and organizational structure changes create benefits and challenges for the host sites, members, and the intended mission of the program. Internships: The presentation will cover how an accredited local health department in Iowa City, Iowa coordinates its internship program, provides programmatic staff supervisory skills, creates meaningful internship experiences, and collects and tracks meaningful data. The goal will be to encourage other organizations, local health departments or otherwise, to consider taking on student internships.

Combined Session: A Generation at Risk? The Rise of Early-Onset Cancer in Iowa AND Partnering for Cervical Cancer Prevention in the Latino Community

Breakout 5

Speakers
  • Jason Semprini
  • Elizabeth Faber
  • Zuli Garcia
Summary
Generation at Risk: Iowa now has the second-highest and fastest-growing cancer rate in the U.S., with early-onset cancers (ages 20–49) rising sharply. This session will define early-onset cancers, analyze recent data on which types are increasing, where in Iowa, and which populations are most affected. Findings will inform primary and secondary prevention strategies, and the presentation will discuss how surveillance, screening, and lifestyle interventions can adapt to this emerging trend. Cervical Cancer: Founded by cervical cancer survivor Zuli Garcia, Cervical Cancer Chats addresses health disparities by combining cancer prevention education with accessible vaccination services for Spanish-speaking communities in Iowa. Launched in late 2024, the program partners with medical and public health organizations to offer culturally appropriate education and on-site vaccinations in trusted community spaces. Since spring 2025, thirteen events across multiple Iowa cities have provided over 2,700 vaccines and connected participants with additional resources. The initiative leverages community trust to reduce stigma and improve health equity.

#BatsofIowa – Letting Bats Live their Best Life While Keeping Iowans Safe

Breakout 6

Speakers
  • Andrew Hennenfent
  • Jeneane McDonald
Summary
This presentation highlights the rapid, multiagency rollout of #BatsofIowa, a statewide campaign balancing bat conservation with clear rabies exposure guidance. It will describe the coordinated communications framework, adaptable messaging toolkit, and strategic timing aligned with peak human–bat interactions. The session will share early outcomes, including partner adoption, public engagement, and rabies surveillance trends, and conclude with practical lessons and tools for replicating and sustaining similar campaigns.

H5N1 Session

Breakout 6

Summary
More information coming soon

Combined Session: Walkability Audits: A Steppingstone to Policy, Systems, and Environment Changes AND Dissemination of Evidence-Based Physical Activity Programs

Breakout 6

Speakers
  • Allie Burkey
  • Matt Burkey
  • Greg Welk
  • Abbie Coniglio
Summary
Walkability Audits: In 2024, Iowa State University’s Leveraging Activities and Partnerships to address obesity (LEAP) program partnered with Safe Routes Partnership and local coalitions to conduct walkability audits in four Iowa communities. This session will highlight the value of community-led walk audits, demonstrate Iowa HOP’s adapted tools, showcase example reports, and explore how audit data can drive change. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for using walkability audits to promote healthier, more inclusive communities and strengthen cross-sector partnerships. Physical Activity Programs: This evaluation examined gaps in the availability and delivery of evidence-based physical activity interventions in Iowa to better understand drivers of health disparities. A statewide landscape assessment (n = 327; 80% of counties represented) found that while rural and urban respondents reported similar staffing and training capacity, rural areas had fewer evidence-based interventions, partners, and perceived ability to address cultural, language, and social determinants of health. Capacity perceptions varied by role and location, highlighting organizational gaps in rural counties. Strengthening coordinated clinic–community partnerships emerged as a key strategy to build capacity and expand reach.

Combined Session: Beat the Algorithm: Creating Public Health Messaging That Stands Out on Social Media AND From Clinical to Creative: Reimagining Vaccine Communication

Breakout 6

Speakers
  • Addie Olson
  • Assata Worrell
Summary
Algorithm: This session will explore strategies to make public health messages stand out on social media and reach more people. Attendees will learn which types of content—like carousels, short videos, and real-person storytelling—perform best and how to leverage trends without losing credibility. The session will also cover flexible, time-saving content strategies that reduce burnout while amplifying trusted partners. Whether for solo communicators or larger teams, participants will gain practical tools to create authentic, engaging, and shareable content. Vaccine Communication: This presentation explores how creative design and user experience research can boost vaccine confidence in Iowa using the MMR vaccine as a case study. It will showcase how a traditional clinic info sheet evolved into parent-friendly zines, videos, and social media content that is approachable, engaging, and shareable. Attendees will learn how illustration, tone, and platform-specific strategies can make evidence-based information resonate emotionally and bridge the gap between clinical guidance and community understanding. The session will also share social media testing insights to show what drives engagement and effective communication.

Virtual Dementia Simulation and Awareness Presentation

Breakout 6

Speakers
  • Erica Eikren
Summary
Awareness Presentations provide essential disease information and resources, enriched with inspiring stories of encouragement and support. The voluntary dementia simulation is a 3 minute brain exercise that we can do virtually with a mirror, piece of paper and pen. This exercise is meant to simulate how hard Dementia can be on a person's brain and not what all Dementia patients experience. This will exercise your brain in a way that makes you have to think outside of the box and we will talk about take aways at the end.

eHealth and Environmental Health Literacy in the Latina Community

Breakout 7

Speakers
  • Olivia Croskey
  • Mayte Flores
Summary
This presentation will be an exciting follow up on part 2 of our program that was presented last year on environmental health literacy in the Latina population. This quality improvement project used a Community Health Worker model and tailored environmental health information to deliver a 4-week program with the intention of improving environmental health literacy to a group of Latina women in a group setting. A mixed methods approach showed meaningful themes emerging amongst the groups, including a sense of empowerment and overall concern for the environment, as well as a sense of community amongst them. Surveys supported an overall positive impact on their knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and actions. Projects like these may help empower the Latina community and create a greater sense of belonging while improving overall health.

Beyond Blame: Rethinking our Response to Mental Health, and Moral Responsibility

Breakout 7

Speakers
  • Ava Carnes
  • Jack Campbell
Summary
This presentation will reframe adolescent mental illness as a crisis of self-knowledge rather than just a clinical condition. It will explore how memory, perception, and agency are disrupted, creating tension between adolescents’ lived experiences and societal expectations. The session will highlight how institutional responses can impose epistemic injustice and emphasize the need for interdisciplinary, humanities-centered approaches linking individual development with broader social structures.

Game On QI! Making QI and Innovation Practical and Fun

Breakout 7

Speakers
  • Lisa Sesterhenn
  • Aaron Reinke
Summary
It’s “game on” for public health professionals ready to level up their quality improvement (QI) and innovation skills. This interactive workshop from Black Hawk County Public Health (BHCPH) provides practical tools, fresh ideas, and facilitation strategies for building a culture of continuous improvement for organizations of all sizes.

Setting the Table for All Iowans: Advancing Health Through Food System Collaboration

Breakout 7

Speakers
  • Jodie Huegerich
  • Tommy Hexter
Summary
This session will dive into the Setting the Table for All Iowans - a plan to create a thriving, sustainable, and equitable food system in Iowa. The plan, released in June 2024, builds upon decades of food system work and nurtured relationships and is today energized by new partnerships and emerging leaders.It identifies high priorities for the state that need urgent and simultaneous attention.

Adapting a Youth Violence Prevention Logic Model to AAPI Youth

Breakout 7

Speakers
  • Rima Afifi
  • Mira Yusef
Summary
This presentation will describe a CDC-funded youth sexual violence prevention program serving Asian American and Pacific Islander youth in Iowa. It will highlight the development of a culturally tailored logic model and evaluation, created through a community-engaged partnership between Monsoon, Iowa HHS, and the Prevention Research Center for Rural Health. The session will demonstrate how adapting standard prevention frameworks to specific cultural contexts strengthens program planning, implementation, and evaluation.

Bringing the World to Iowa: Executing an Unforgettable RAGBRAI Experience

Breakout 8

Speakers
  • Matt Phippen
Summary
RAGBRAI, or the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is a week-long cycling event that has taken place every July since 1973. It attracts thousands of riders who traverse across the state, experiencing Iowa's diverse landscapes, local culture, and community spirit. These local communities play a crucial role by hosting riders, providing food, entertainment, and support services. Organizing RAGBRAI requires meticulous logistics, including safety measures, medical support, and traffic management. RAGBRAI is more than just a bike ride; it's a testament to community, state collaboration, and the joy of cycling through the heart of Iowa. Find out what goes into 51 weeks of planning to execute 7 days on a bicycle.

Current and Emerging Public Health Challenges

Breakout 8

Speakers
  • Lynelle Diers
  • Matthew Pitlick
  • Tim Link
  • Cassity Gutierrez
  • Abigail Coder
Summary
This session examines the key current and emerging public health challenges expected to impact communities in 2026. Participants will explore how recent trends, policies, and events are shaping public health practice and preparedness at local and state levels, and discuss practical strategies and partnerships to proactively address emerging challenges and strengthen public health systems.

Measles Destroyer

Breakout 8

Speakers
  • Alicia Steines
  • Madeleine Gilmore
Summary
Alicia Stienes RN, BSN and Maddie Gilmore, MPH from Linn County Public Health will present on the workflow and the tools created by Linn County Public Health to respond to a large-scale outbreak. The presentation will demonstrate how these tools were used during a measles response but could be used for any large-scale outbreak. The team worked to create tools to aid in communication between local and state partners while reducing the workload burden placed upon local public health during an event.

Advancing Maternal and Child Health Training in Iowa: Strategies to Prepare Public Health Graduates for the MCH Workforce

Breakout 8

Speakers
  • Sylvia Ayieko
  • William Story
Summary
The University of Iowa College of Public Health (UI-CPH) established MCH Public Health Catalyst training program to equip diverse graduate students at the CPH to enter the MCH public health workforce in Iowa and the rural Midwest. In this session, participants will learn about the program’s objectives, explore strategies of engaging MCH trainees for the public health workforce in Iowa, and discuss how organizations and title V agencies can become potential academic-practice partners for future MCH professionals.

Combined Session: AI in Action: Free Tools for Public Health Data Visualization AND Leveling Up Outbreak Response: Using Cloud-Based Data Systems to Stay Ahead of the Game

Breakout 8

Speakers
  • Cole Kruse
  • Amelia Slaichert
  • Rachel Quinn
Summary
AI In Action: This session will focus on how AI can simplify public health data analysis and visualization. The presentation will go over how to use free cloud-based tools like Google Colab—an environment to write Python code, and Gemini—Google's integrated AI assistant. Attendees will see how AI can transform data into clear insights through charts and analysis with simple prompts. Outbreak Response: Johnson County Public Health integrated Qualtrics, a cloud-based data system, into outbreak response for incidents like measles and Lassa fever. This system enabled real-time data collection, analysis, and secure communication, reducing manual entry and allowing staff to focus on follow-up with symptomatic individuals. The approach improved intervention timeliness and enhanced response capacity for rapid contact monitoring. The session will share this process to help other agencies prepare for high-consequence pathogen outbreaks.

Supporting the RAGBRAI Experience: Food Safety and Strong Professional Partnerships

Breakout 9

Speakers
  • Julie Kraling
  • Dan Ries
  • Ivy Bremer
  • Thao Schlichte
  • Matt Noghrehkar
  • Grace McCartan
  • Alicia Sanders
Summary
Each summer tens of thousands of riders travel to Iowa to participate in RAGBRAI, our State’s annual river-to-river bicycle ride. This event provides not only excitement and entertainment for the route riders, but it also represents a great opportunity for mobile and temporary food vendors from Iowa and across the country to make a profit while feeding the participants. With all of the added operators it should come as no surprise that our State’s Food Safety officers were also along for the ride, inspecting food vendors and ensuring a safe and healthy experience for RAGBRAI riders, as well as the communities they visit. Statewide and local partnerships have long been the key to a safe and successful event, and Food Safety Inspection Officers, whether from DIAL or one of our State’s local agencies, work hard to foster these relationships – amongst our communities and amongst each other. Join us for a discussion of RAGBRAI 2025!

Combined Session: Implementing a Gun Safe Storage Campaign in Iowa: Reviewing the “Talk it Up, Lock it Up” Experience AND Opioids and Stimulants: A Deadly Combination

Breakout 9

Speakers
  • Juan Carlos Cadenillas
  • Abby Holt
Summary
Talk it up: In Fall of 2023, the Polk County Health Department launched 'Talk it Up, Lock it Up' an injury prevention campaign to prevent gun-related injuries in the community. This campaign was the first of its kind in the state of Iowa, and it focuses on normalizing gun safety conversations, improving and facilitating access to safe gun storage, and engaging community partners. Learn from the staff about their experience implementing this process and how to promote gun safety in your community. Opioids & Stimulants: In this training, you will learn about intentional and unintentional opioid and stimulant polysubstance use. You will be able to identify the potential risks of opioid and stimulant polysubstance use and what strategies are being used to prevent misuse in the community.

Turning Data into Direction: Iowa’s Cancer Research Action Plan

Breakout 9

Speakers
  • Amanda Swan
  • Natoshia Askelson
Summary
Iowa has the second highest cancer incidence rate in the U.S., and unlike most states, its rate is rising. To address this concern, we convened Blue Ribbon Panel to investigate causes of the high cancer incidence rate. The panel provided research recommendations to better understand key drivers of prostate, lung, female breast, and melanoma cancers. Their recommendations informed a research action plan aimed at uncovering the causes of Iowa’s cancer burden and guiding future prevention efforts. We will share the current state of cancer in Iowa and disseminate the research action plan based on the Blue Ribbon expert advisory panel recommendations.

Game On: Leveling Up Iowa’s Public Health Infrastructure: One Capability at a Time

Breakout 9

Speakers
  • Jessica Wegner
Summary
Join the Environmental and Local Public Health (ELPH) Bureau for an interactive panel discussion showcasing how Iowa’s public health system is evolving to strengthen local capacity, coordination, and community protection. Panelists representing workforce development, planning and performance, environmental health, and regional community health consultants will share how their collective efforts are helping local public health departments “level up” their systems and services.

Private, Public, and State Entities Reflect on Partnership to Improve Rural Vitality Using a New Model of the Comprehensive Rural Wealth Framework in Two Pilot Communities

Breakout 9

Speakers
  • Sofie Dollison-McGill
  • Vickie Miene
Summary
The Iowa Rural Vitality Coalition is a partnership comprised of state-wide leaders and organizations, including Wellmark, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, University of Iowa College of Public Health, University of Northern Iowa Institute for Decision Making, and the Iowa Rural development Council, with interest, expertise, and resources directed at improving the health and vitality of rural residents and their communities using a new model of the Comprehensive Rural Wealth Framework. After 2 years of implementation, hear an update on the pilot project that includes what's going well, lessons learned, and a strategic plan example.

Closing Keynote Session with Dr. Michael Osterholm

Closing Keynote

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