The Lerner Center for Public Health Advocacy hosted its inaugural Advocacy Action Lab on June 6, 2024 at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center in Washington, DC. A vibrant group of faculty and staff from across Johns Hopkins came together to gain practical insights, knowledge, and skills to increase their influence on decision-makers at all levels.
This one-day workshop aimed to uncover the “who, what, when, where, and how” of public health policy change. Participants worked through a series of exercises throughout the day to develop an “advocacy action plan” to address a public health issue of their choice. Participants' policy “demands” centered on mental health, LGBTQ+ health, gender equality, environmental health, and many other public health areas.
The Action Lab was strategically curated to help participants develop action plans. Dr. Shelley Hahn, Director of the Learner Center, outlined the critical role of advocacy in public health success.
The Bloomberg School of Public Health faculty panel, featuring Dr. Shannon Frattaroli, Dr. Paul Rock, Mariana Sokal, MD, and Melinda Buntin, PhD, focused on using advocacy in public health work to help participants shape policy goals.
Dr. Melisa Lindamood, Deputy Assistant Director for the Office of Federal Strategy at Johns Hopkins University, moderated a panel of policy experts who shared valuable insights to influence the field of policymaking. Panelists included Dr. Melanie Egorin, Assistant Secretary for Legislation at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Atul Grover, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the Institute for Research Activities at the Association of American Medical Colleges, Dr. Janice Lepore, Member of the Senate Finance Committee of the American Psychological Association, and Dr. Sarah Levin, Professional Staff Member for the Health Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee.
To help participants develop advocacy strategies and find allies, Bloomberg School Professor Dr. Adam Levin spoke about building connections, relationships, and partnerships for advocacy. To further support participants in creating their action plans, lobbying experts Dr. Kristen Leak, Director of Federal Strategy at Johns Hopkins University, and Dr. Raina Jordan, Director of Government Relations at Johns Hopkins University in Washington, DC, shared top tips for approaching policy work legally and ethically.
After determining “next steps” to address policy challenges, participants enjoyed a networking reception with beautiful views of Parliament Hill and an inspiring speech by Dr. Brian Castrucci, Ph.D., MA, President and CEO of the de Beaumont Foundation.
“I leave today feeling like I have some tools to take my advocacy goals to the next level. Just listening to the expert panel and engaging with my colleagues here has really helped me reflect on what I can do now,” said the Johns Hopkins School of Nursing faculty member.* Additional testimonials and other fascinating content from the day will be featured on the Lerner Center's Instagram page, @jhadvocacy.
