PHEC 453: Public Health Is Political, With Susan Polan, PhD
About this episode
Dr. Huntley interviews Susan Polan, PhD, about the intersection of public health and politics, highlighting the importance of advocacy and policy engagement.
In this episode of Public Health Epidemiology Conversations, Dr. Huntley sits down with Susan Polan, PhD, Associate Executive Director for Public Affairs and Advocacy at the American Public Health Association, for an inside look at what it means to fight for public health in today's political climate. From managing six simultaneous lawsuits, a historic moment for APHA, to navigating federal policy battles and protecting critical public health funding, Dr. Polan shares the realities of advocacy at the national level. She also discusses the growing need for public health professionals to step beyond research and into policy conversations that shape real-world outcomes. The conversation highlights APHA's Policy Action Institute, a training experience designed to help public health professionals translate science into messages that resonate with lawmakers and communities alike. Most importantly, Dr. Polan offers a powerful reminder: your voice matters more than you think. Every call, email, and conversation with policymakers counts and public health professionals have the expertise needed to influence the decisions that impact communities every day. If you've ever wondered how policy…
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