Network News

As we find ourselves in the wake of another election and having seen the outpouring of supportive messages from so many of our public health and community partners, we're reminded once again of the strength of our collective commitment to efforts that improve the well-being of individuals, families, and communities across the country. How we navigate the post-election landscape will have a lasting impact on democracy, the social determinants of health, and public health authority. 

The Network for Public Health Law (Network) announced today it has filed an amicus brief in the Moyle v. United States case before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. This case challenges whether Idaho can legally prevent pregnant individuals from accessing emergency medical care mandated under the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA). The Network joined the American Public Health Association, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the American Medical Women’s Association and over 100 public health and legal scholars in supporting the U.S. government as amici curiae in this important case.

The Network for Public Health Law is pleased to announce this call for applications from organizations seeking legal and policy support to promote racial health equity.

The Network for Public Health Law has announced the launch of the Racial Equity Dataset, an interactive online tool that provides extensive data on enacted laws in the 2021 and 2022 legislative cycles related to furthering or hindering racial equity, across the 50 U.S. states.  

The Network for Public Health Law (the Network) has released a guide on “Law and Policy Considerations for Workforce Protections from Extreme Heat,” detailing federal, state, and local legal and policy protections for both indoor and outdoor workers exposed to extreme heat on the job. The guide also addresses significant barriers to safeguarding this workforce, including the legal doctrine of preemption, which allows higher levels of government to limit the authority of lower levels; and provides information for policymakers, community leaders, public health practitioners, and others seeking to institute more effective heat protection for workers in their communities.

The Network is pleased to announce the appointment of Allison Winnike as Director of our Western Region Team. Allison's expertise and track record in public health emergency preparedness and response, immunization law and policy, health information technology and telemedicine are widely recognized. Her leadership in the western region will strengthen the Network’s work in advancing law and policy solutions through direct legal technical assistance and providing critical capacity building support to health agencies.

Network for Public Health Law Advisory Board Welcomes New Member Amy Kincaid The Network is proud to formally announce the appointment of…

The universal themes of Spring: renewal, unity, and transformation, resonate deeply with our Network mission. Law itself can be transformative—both positively and negatively— so we were committed to joining other health advocates in signing on to an amicus brief in an important upcoming court case with the potential to negatively impact access to emergency medical care, including during pregnancy.

As part of the Network’s leadership team, Dang will oversee the work of the Network project and regional teams in advancing law and policy solutions and providing direct legal technical assistance to those working to create healthier, more equitable communities. He will also work closely with external partners in public health, as well as community, philanthropic and advocacy organizations working to advance health in their communities.

“The year ahead is pivotal. The focus on public health has increasingly shifted to state legislatures, where ideological—rather than medical or scientific—considerations are shaping policies.” …

This report summarizes findings from research that looked at specific markers of advocacy capacity and interviews of key respondents in 50 states and the District of Columbia between March and June 2023.

This report captures proposed actions and highlights from rich discussions and ideas generated during and after a convening to inspire continued action and commitment from those who attended, while also inviting others inside and outside public health to improve, join, and amplify this work to strengthen advocacy for the public’s health.