On April 5, 2023, the Illinois Public Health Association hosted public health students from across the state for IPHA’s Annual Student Day. Students had the opportunity to learn IPHA’s legislative priorities, hear from professionals in the field, network with other public health students, and gain advocacy skills to use in their public health careers.

More than 100 students from 11 different universities were represented, almost tripling the registration and representation from last year’s event. Students gathered in Springfield at the Inn at 835, and several walked to the State Capitol in the afternoon for a guided tour.

Student section co-chairs Beth Squires and Lauri DeRuiter Willems applauded the students for investing time into learning about advocacy and utilizing their IPHA membership to develop professional skills for their future careers.

Speakers for the day included IPHA Director of Policy and Procurement Conny Moody, state Sen. Doris Turner, longtime lobbyist Randall Witter, and Illinois House staffer Luke Henson.

IPHA Student Day is held in conjunction with National Public Health Week.