Genesee Co. Health Dept. Announces 6th Annual Public Health Week Conference

The Genesee County Health Department has announced registration is now open for its 6th Annual Public Health Week Conference wich will be held April 3, at the Riverfront Center in Flint. The conference is entitled "Community Based Public Health." The goal of the conference is to build the capacity of local health professional and community members to address the health issues in our community. The conference will feature a nationally-recognized keynote speaker Dr. Camara Jones who conducts research on Social Determinants of Health and Equity in the Epidemiology and Analysis Program Office at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The conference will also feature other sessions led by local experts, as well as speakers from other counties in Michigan. These sessions will address contemporary challenges including food safety, worksite wellness, healthy homes, motivational interviewing, policy advocacy, race and culture, food policy councils, youth violence prevention and health disparities. The conference will also include a Funder Summit, an opportunity for conference participants to ask questions of the major foundations located in Michigan doing work in the health field. The conference will conclude with the presentation of the 4th Annual Robert M. Pestronk Excellence in Public Health Award.

The conference also serves as an opportunity for local and state public health officials, health care professionals, schools officials and students, as well as community residents and community based organizations, to expand their knowledge, discuss current and future issues important to the public's health, and explore strategies that could improve these issues. Attendees will be able to use the information from this event to strengthen their roles, and those of their organizations and communities, in improving community and individual health and quality of life.

Registration is now open. The cost to attend is $40 and includes the conference, meals and materials. More information can be found at www.gchd.us.