It is with great enthusiasm that we invite you to join us for a moderated discussion, “From Campus to the Capitol: Making a Difference in Public Health Through Civic Engagement.” This event will feature an intriguing dialogue between state leaders on the intersection of civic engagement and public health. We’re grateful to be joined by the Secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services Eric Friedlander, and Charles Booker, Kentucky State Director of Faith Based & Community Initiatives in the Office of the Governor.
We know that public health is more than just physical; it also focuses on quality of life and how individuals interact with the world (access to green spaces, sidewalks, food deserts, etc.). Civic engagement is defined as involvement in both political and non-political processes that promote community quality of life and develop knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to improve civic life.
Evidence demonstrates that areas with higher levels of civic engagement among community members experience better public health outcomes. Frameworks such as the Seven Vital Conditions for Well-Being, and Healthy People 2030 include civic participation as important factors of community well-being. While voting is a well-known component of civic participation, we aim to highlight additional opportunities to leverage the important connection between civic engagement and public health by raising awareness of unique strategies and initiatives in Kentucky.
Hosted by the Center for Health, Engagement, and Transformation (CHET) the goal of this event is to achieve the following objectives:
Identify the connection between civic engagement and health.
Analyze the implications of civic engagement on public health in Kentucky.
Discuss examples of past and ongoing civic engagement and health equity initiatives.
Integrate strategies that dually support civic engagement and public health/health equity into future activities.
The event will take place October 9th. This is a hybrid event and lunch will be provided. The in-person event will begin at 11:30am, and the discussion available on Zoom will begin at 12:00pm. In-person attendance is limited to the first 60 registrants.
We hope you can join us for this insightful event.
Questions? Contact chet@uky.edu
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