The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) hosted its annual Student Action Day on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. More than 50 attendees learned about the policy and advocacy process from IPHA staff.

State Rep. Robyn Gabel, the assistant majority leader, shared insights about her career in public health and health care in her time as Executive Director of the Illinois Maternal and Child Health Coalition (now EverThrive Illinois). Talking about her work as a legislator, she noted some examples of state efforts to support public health and health care.

Beth Squires, Assistant Director of External and Pipeline Projects of the National Center for Rural Health Professions serves as the IPHA Student Section Chair. She was in attendance along with four Illinois AHEC directors and program coordinators – Lauren McGaughey, West Central AHEC; Sharon Mills, Central AHEC; Eileen Woolums, East Central AHEC; and Gloria Przygoda, South Central AHEC. They told attendees about the AHEC Network’s and programs to support health care workforce in rural and underserved communities..

Students from the University of Illinois – Chicago, Western Illinois University, Eastern Illinois University, and the University of Illinois – Springfield attended.

Learn more about the IPHA