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Advocacy Committee

Welcome to the Advocacy Committee page of the Florida Public Health Association (FPHA). Our mission is to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote the health and well-being of all Floridians. Below, you'll find information about our committee, our current priorities, and important resources for public health advocacy.

About the Advocacy Committee

    The Advocacy Committee is dedicated to influencing public health policy through advocacy, education, and partnerships. Our goal is to ensure that public health issues are prioritized and addressed effectively at local, state, and national levels.


    Our Advocacy Focus:

    FPHA's advocacy efforts are guided by four key pillars:

    1. Health Equity: We are committed to reducing disparities in health outcomes by ensuring that all Floridians have access to the resources and opportunities they need for a healthy life. Our advocacy focuses on promoting policies that address the social determinants of health, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable populations.

    2. Climate Health: Recognizing the significant impact of climate change on public health, we advocate for policies that protect outdoor workers, reduce heat-related illnesses, and mitigate the effects of environmental hazards. Our work includes raising awareness about the intersection of climate and health, and promoting innovative solutions such as the Smart Surfaces Grant in partnership with the American Public Health Association (APHA).

    3. Comprehensive Sexual Health Education: FPHA is a strong proponent of inclusive, accurate, and age-appropriate sexual health education in schools. We advocate for policies that ensure students receive the information they need to make informed decisions about their health, with a particular focus on supporting expectant parents, infants, toddlers, and their families.

    4. Policy Innovation:
      Importance of Public Health Authority We champion innovative public health policies that address emerging challenges and enhance community resilience. Our efforts include advocating for local control over public health initiatives and supporting policies that empower communities to enact laws tailored to their unique need.

    Our Initiatives

    FPHA has a strong track record of impactful advocacy initiatives, including:

    • Advocacy and Policy Committee: This committee plays a fundamental role in shaping public health policy in Florida. It has successfully addressed issues such as the pre-emption of local public health laws and advocated for legislative changes that allow for more community-specific health interventions.

    • Climate Health Interest Group: This group is focused on addressing the health impacts of climate change, particularly on outdoor workers and vulnerable communities. They work on policy initiatives that promote environmental health and safety.

    • Smart Surfaces Grant Collaboration: In partnership with APHA, FPHA has been involved in promoting innovative health solutions related to climate and heat, contributing to national discussions on public health and climate resilience.

    • Educational Outreach: FPHA organizes conferences and events that provide valuable education on public health issues, featuring prominent speakers and fostering professional development and networking among public health professionals.

    Spotlight on Advocacy Achievements:

    Stay updated on the impactful work FPHA is doing across Florida to advance public health through our monthly newsletter.

    Recent Milestones:

    • Climate Health Advocacy: FPHA engaged with public health professionals nationwide at the APHA Annual Meeting, showcasing efforts on climate health and workforce development.
    • Collaborations with Partners: Strengthened ties with The AIDS Institute and Florida Voices for Health to tackle preemption policies and promote equitable healthcare access.
    • Educational Campaigns: Launched new resources on sexual health education and climate resilience to inform communities and policymakers.

    Upcoming Opportunities:

    • Join the Advocacy Committee: Contribute your voice to shaping public health policy in Florida.
    • Participate in Webinars: Stay tuned for educational webinars discussing critical public health topics like workforce development and climate health.
    • Support Legislative Efforts: Learn how to advocate for upcoming policies that impact our communities.

    Read more about our advocacy work here.

    Monthly Updates: Amplifying Public Health Voices

    Stay informed and engaged with the latest updates from FPHA's Advocacy Committee!

    New Florida Law on Sex Education Materials
    Learn more about the implications of Florida's new law requiring state approval for sex education materials. This policy could have significant effects on public health education across the state. Watch NBC News' detailed coverage to understand the challenges and opportunities this law presents

    NBC News Story: Florida’s New Sex Education Law

    Quote from Elissa:

    "The NBC coverage did a fantastic job highlighting the complexities of this new law and its impact on communities. It's essential that we keep the dialogue open and ensure everyone understands how these changes affect public health."

    Call for Parents and Teachers: Share your Story

    Are you a parent or teacher with insights on public health and education issues? We're compiling a list of individuals willing to speak with news outlets and share their perspectives. Your Voice is important in shaping public understanding and advocacy efforts. 

    Please email us at fpha@srahec.org with your story or to express interest in participating. Your voice matters!

    Reflections on the APHA Annual Meeting
    The FPHA proudly participated in the 2024 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This event provided a platform to showcase FPHA’s advocacy efforts, build connections, and highlight critical public health issues.

    Key Highlights from the Conference:

    Poster Presentation:

    Our poster, "Reigniting Public Health Advocacy in Florida," emphasized climate health, public health authority, and workforce development. It generated robust discussions and valuable feedback.

    Audience Engagement:

    Attendees expressed curiosity about our advocacy strategies, particularly in navigating policy challenges. Many shared their own experiences, and connections were made for potential collaborations.

    Quote from Jenny:

    “Presenting on behalf of FPHA reinforced the importance of sharing our advocacy work and learning from others in the field. It’s inspiring to see how public health professionals across the country are addressing similar challenges.”

    Want to learn more about our APHA experience?

    Read our detailed recap in the FPHA Advocacy Newsletter!

    FPHA Advocacy in Action
    Our Advocacy Committee is dedicated to driving impactful change through collaboration, education, and policy advocacy. Recent initiatives include:

    - Supporting legislative advocacy for equitable healthcare access.
    - Highlighting climate change’s impact on public health through ongoing outreach campaigns.
    - Addressing sexual health education policies to foster inclusive and informed decision-making.

    Explore our efforts and see how you can get involved.

    Stay Connected!

    Bookmark this page for the latest news, updates, and advocacy opportunities. Together, we can create a healthier future for all Floridians!

      Voting Information

      Key Dates for 2024 Elections in Florida

      • Primary Election: Tuesday, August 20, 2024
      • General Election: Tuesday, November 5, 2024
      • Voter Registration Deadline for General Election: Monday, October 7, 2024

      Click here for more information.

      Vote-by-Mail Request Deadline

      The deadline for requesting a vote-by-mail ballot varies by county. Please check with your local Supervisor of Elections for the specific deadline in your area.

      For more detailed information, visit the Florida Elections and Ballotpedia.

      Why Voting Matters

      Voting is a fundamental right and a powerful tool for influencing public health policy. By participating in elections, you can help shape the decisions that affect the health an well-being of your community. Your vote can support candidates and initiatives that prioritize public health, equity, and access to care. 

      Our Advocacy Partners


      Collaboration is at the heart of our advocacy efforts. FPHA works closely with a range of local and national organizations to amplify our impact:


      • Florida Voices for Health: healthyfla.org

        • A coalition dedicated to ensuring access to quality healthcare for all Floridians through advocacy, education, and outreach.
      • The AIDS Institute: theaidsinstitute.org

        • A national nonprofit organization that promotes action for social change through public policy, advocacy, research, and education to support health equity for people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic diseases.
      • Florida Health Justice Project: floridahealthjustice.org

        • Focuses on expanding access to healthcare for Florida’s most vulnerable populations through advocacy, legal support, and public policy initiatives.
      • Florida PAC: floridapac.org

        • A political action committee that works to advance public health policies through targeted advocacy and support for public health-friendly candidates.
      • Florida Advocate: fladvocate.org

        • Provides resources and support to advocates working on a variety of public health issues, with a focus on grassroots mobilization and policy change.

        Get Involved

        The Advocacy Committee welcomes public health professionals, community members, and other stakeholders who are passionate about improving public health in Florida. To get involved, please contact us at fpha@srahec.org.

        Resources

        PHERN Public Health & Equity Resource Navigator : Taking Action: Advocacy for Public Health Learning Series | PHERN

        14646 NW 151st Blvd.
        Alachua, FL 32615
        fpha@srahec.org

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