OHSU-PSU School of Public Health Makes an Impact at APHA 2025

The OHSU-PSU School of Public Health proudly joined public health professionals, students, and alumni at the American Public Health Association (APHA) 2025 Annual Meeting, held in Washington, D.C. This year’s conference was a celebration of collaboration, innovation, and advocacy with a central mission: advancing health equity and empowering communities through public health partnerships.

This year, the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health had a record-level presence, with over 16 faculty, students, and alumni presenting, moderating, and facilitating sessions. From research insights to panel discussions, members of our School actively shaped the critical conversations that will drive public health forward.

The conference began with an inspiring and creative start on Sunday, with Ryan Petteway’s co-hosted event, “Stats & Stanzas: Poetry for Public Health.” This dynamic and healing event paired poetry with public health healing and resistance, amplifying the voices of poets whose work speaks to resilience, equity, and the transformative potential of health justice.

A major highlight for our community was celebrating Professor Willi Horner-Johnson, who received the Margaret “Peg” Nosek Award from the APHA Disability Section. This prestigious honor recognizes public health scholars whose work has advanced research for and with women with disabilities and other historically underserved populations. Professor Horner-Johnson’s groundbreaking research and commitment to equity serve as an inspiration to the entire public health field. Congratulations, Professor Horner-Johnson!

Another exciting focal point of the conference was our booth, which quickly became a hub for engagement and conversation, debuting our brand new canvas bags! Cimone Campbell (Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management), Emily Kemmerer (Assistant Dean of Student and Alumni Affairs), and Josh Hodsden (Recruitment and Enrollment Manager) held engaging conversations with alumni and prospective students alike, sharing the School’s mission, values, and opportunities to make lasting impact through public health education. Their enthusiasm made a lasting impression on all who visited.

As part of the APHA experience, over 30 members of our SPH community gathered for an evening reception at Jaleo’s Restaurant. This event was more than just a celebration—it was an opportunity to build deeper relationships, foster collaboration, and recognize the incredible work being done across our community to advance equity and improve health outcomes.

The APHA 2025 Annual Meeting demonstrated the power of collective action in driving meaningful change in public health. Our students, faculty, and alumni left inspired and ready to apply the insights shared at the conference to create a more equitable and inclusive future.