PHF E-News (April 2026)

Public health news, resources, tools, and information to improve organizational performance, equip the workforce, and build public health infrastructure.

PHF E-News: News for Public Health

Upcoming Webinar: Harnessing AI to Strengthen Public Health Systems through Smart Deployment

May 5, 2026 | 1-2:15pm EDT

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming public health—are you ready? Join the Public Health Foundation (PHF) and Riester for an upcoming webinar to explore essential planning steps, see AI in action through an immunization case example, and learn how to pair AI with quality improvement (QI) methods to drive better results. Register for the webinar today.

New Workforce Development Workshop: Leadership, Communications, and Innovation

PHF’s new Leadership, Communications, and Innovation Workshop is an interactive, on-site or remote offering designed to equip public health leaders with practical strategies to strengthen leadership effectiveness, improve communication, and drive innovation in complex organizational environments. Designed with flexibility, the workshop can be delivered as a full-day session, two 3-hour remote webinars, or a 3.5-hour abbreviated format. Through real-world examples and hands-on activities, participants develop leadership and communication skills that support effective change and innovation. Learn more about the workshop and contact PHF’s Workforce Development team to get started.

June 3 & 10, 2026 | 1-4pm EDT

Did you miss registering for PHF’s virtual performance management workshop? There’s still time to register for our virtual workshop, Using Quality Improvement in Public Health, on June 3 & 10, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT. The workshop includes two 3‑hour live sessions with expert instruction, a workshop-specific book, presentation slides, and a certificate of completion. View pricing options and reserve your spot today.

Save the Date: 2026 Public Health Learning Forum

November 16-19, 2026

Save the date for the 2026 Public Health Learning Forum, taking place November 16-19, 2026. This year’s virtual event will once again bring together public health professionals from across the country to share practical ideas, helpful tools, and real-world approaches for strengthening the governmental public health workforce. Stay tuned for more details on registration, session information, and speakers. Mark your calendar and plan to join us this fall!

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Review the prospectus or contact Mike Barry at mbarry@phf.org to learn more.

A Stronger Future For Public Health Begins With Advocacy

Is your workforce equipped to engage policymakers? With trust eroding and resources shrinking, building authentic relationships with policymakers grounded in evidence and empathy is essential. In a new guest blog, Shelley Hearne, DrPH, MPH, Director of the Johns Hopkins Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy, shares why advocacy training is a top workforce need. Learn how the Lerner Center, in partnership with PHF, is working to define advocacy competencies and build them into public health education. Read the blog post to learn more.

Lessons from the Field: 5 Tips for Strong Academic Health Department Partnerships

Strengthening academic health department (AHD) partnerships takes intention, planning, and learning from experience. PHF’s latest blog draws on lessons learned from AHD environmental scans to highlight what works—and what to watch out for—when building partnerships between health departments and academic institutions. Read the blog post to explore key takeaways and practical insights.

Want to learn more about AHD partnerships? In collaboration with the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, PHF will be hosting two upcoming webinars focused on fellowship programs:

California Academic Health Department initiative on June 18th from 3-4pm EDT
North Dakota Health & Human Services on June 30th from 2-3pm EDT

Stay tuned for more information about these webinars and how to register.

Spring Sale on All PHF Publications

April Featured Publication: Solving Population Health Problems Through Collaboration

Solving Population Health Problems Through Collaboration examines evidence-based intervention strategies, case studies in hospitals and health departments, health equity issues, core competencies, public health campaigns, step-by-step collaboration advice, and much more to affect real change.

Save 10% when you order any PHF publication through May 31, 2026. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Receive a 20% discount when you order 250+ copies. Please call us toll-free at (877) 252-1200 for a price quote on bulk purchases. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET.

Beyond the Quiz: Evaluating the True Impact of Training

Engaging eLearning is important, but engagement alone does not tell the whole story. In this new article, PHF explores why evaluation matters and how looking beyond quizzes and satisfaction scores can help determine whether online training leads to meaningful, real‑world change. You will learn how thoughtful evaluation, planned from the start, can support knowledge transfer, encourage on‑the‑job application, and strengthen the overall impact of training efforts. Read the full article, Beyond the Quiz: Evaluating the True Impact of Training , today.

Ready to create engaging training? Contact PHF to start your eLearning project.

Join IHA’s 2026 Annual Virtual Health Literacy Conference

For 25 years, the Institute for Healthcare Advancement’s (IHA’s) Health Literacy Conference has shaped health literacy by bringing people together across sectors to learn, share, and lead. Now, it’s about what comes next and how you can turn ideas into action, with sessions designed to help you gain practical strategies, connect with peers, and explore new approaches. See the agenda and register for free today!