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State and Regional Affiliates: Take Action

State and Regional Public Health Associations

State and regional public health associations (PHAs) are non-profit organizations that champion the health of their state or region’s residents. They are composed of public health experts, community leaders, and engaged citizens working collaboratively to improve public health outcomes. They serve as a powerful voice for public health, influencing policy, promoting research, and educating the public.

Fifty-two (52) state and regional public health associations champion similar goals at state and regional levels, respectively, as APHA does at a national level. These APHA Affiliates are independently established and have their own infrastructure, policies, processes, and procedures. 

Find Your State or Regional Association

Affiliates play a critical role in advocating for the public’s health

State PHAs engage in a wide range of activities to improve public health:

  • Policy Advocacy: They work closely with state legislators to develop and enact laws that promote health and prevent disease.
  • Coalition Building: PHAs collaborate with other organizations to create powerful alliances for addressing complex health issues, each PHA also has a large network of members comprised of public health or allied professionals.
  • Public Education: They inform the public about health risks, prevention strategies, and available resources.
  • Capacity Building: PHAs support the professional development of public health practitioners and strengthen the public health workforce.

Affiliates engage in a variety of advocacy activities

  1. Develop a policy agenda ahead of a legislative session
  2. Share information about the potential impact of a bill on public health and equity with stakeholders and decision-makers
  3. Educate members about advocacy
  4. Host a legislative advocacy day to bring awareness to a public health or a specific issue or bill
  5. Mobilize members to contact decision-makers
  6. Testify at public hearings on legislation related to/impacting public health 
  7. Write op-eds and letters to the editor
  8. Create fact sheets and issue briefs
  9. Submit comments on regulatory issues

Lobbying versus advocacy

Lobbying involves communication with a government official or employee (legislator or anyone who participates in forming legislation) that reflects a point of view on a specific piece of legislation, administrative action, or regulation. Lobbying activities may be restricted by a funder or a state or local law, and most non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations cannot spend more than 20% of their budget on lobbying. APHA Affiliates are restricted in their ability to lobby. Check with your leadership or a lawyer if you have concerns about what is allowable.

    Act now

    • Join your state PHA to stay informed, network with other public health advocates, and access valuable resources.
    • Volunteer your time and skills to support PHA initiatives, such as attending public hearings, writing letters to the editor, or organizing advocacy events such as Hill Days.
    • Participate in APHA’s legislative action alerts and urge policymakers to vote for public health.
    • Tap into APHA’s resources and Speak for Health.
    • Stay up to date on APHA’s events and meetings.
    • View the APHA Legislative Update page and stay informed about important federal legislative activity and notable state legislative activity.
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