Public Health Advocacy
Advocacy Stories
Standing Strong for Public Health
Across the country, public health leaders and advocates are standing up for healthier communities—often in the face of major challenges. In this difficult environment, APHA members and Affiliates are rising to the occasion. This growing collection of stories highlights their diverse experiences, from working to preserve public health authority to advancing equity through policy and research. These stories showcase the power of local advocacy, the strength of partnerships, and the resilience of Affiliates working every day to defend and advance public health. Whether you’re new to advocacy or a seasoned professional, we hope these stories inspire, inform, and energize your own work.
ADVOCACY STORIES
The Triumphs and Trials of OPHA’s Advocacy Journey
Read more about how the Oklahoma Public Health Association revitalized its advocacy by centering inclusivity and human rights, and how strategic tools like legislative tracking and community engagement helped them make an impact with limited resources.
ADVOCACY STORIES
Empowering Public Health: Washington State’s Journey to Equity and Advocacy
Read more about how the Washington State Public Health Association secured $325 million in biennial funding for foundational public health services and declared racism a public health crisis, advancing equity-driven policy reforms and strengthening partnerships with Indigenous communities.
ADVOCACY STORIES
Virginia Public Health Association: Pioneering Advocacy for a Healthier Future
Read more about how the Virginia Public Health Association is pioneering a new era of advocacy by shifting from reactive to proactive strategies and leveraging external expertise to navigate complex legislative processes.
ADVOCACY STORIES
Rolando Trejos and His Commitment to Social Justice
Read more about how Rolando Trejos transformed personal experiences of inequality into a powerful public health advocacy journey, championing LGBTQ+ rights, housing stability, and educational equity.
ADVOCACY STORIES
Collaborative Advocacy Preserves Public Health Funding in New York’s 2024 Budget
Read more about how the New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA) successfully preserved full funding for public health programs in the 2024 state budget through strategic partnerships and a targeted social media campaign.
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