Happy Friday and Happy National Public Health Week to all!
MHOA President Melissa Ranieri and I spent some time Thursday visiting legislators at the Massachusetts State House. We joined colleagues from the Coalition for Local Public Health over two days to talk about what local health department staff members do and the importance of local public health funding in the FY27 budget. The visits were productive, and we appreciated the encouraging discussions. You can help too by contacting your legislators by email or phone! Here's how. The visit was timed with the anticipated release of the House Ways and Means Budget next week. A huge thank you to our partners at the Massachusetts Public Health Alliance for organizing the opportunity for us. Is the state budget process a mystery to you? Here's a helpful article to understand how it works. Now is an ideal time to pickup the phone or write a quick note to your state legislators, particularly your House of Representative member!
I also want to plug next Friday's conference abstract submission deadline. If you're on the fence, go for it! Presenting your work at the MHOA Conference is an incredibly worthwhile experience. Our agendas are shaped by you, our members, and what's important to you. Our staff and conference track chairs are available to provide assistance getting your presentation ready. Whether you've never presented at a conference before, or are an experienced nervous wreck every time you do it - it's worth it! We just need you to take the first step. Get your abstract together this week! Early Bird members-only attendee registration and exhibitor/sponsor opportunities will open in early May.
Teresa Wood Kett, executive director
Left photo, left to right: Teresa Wood Kett, Sen. Mike Rush, Melissa Ranieri, and pictured in the right photo with Rep. Edward Philips.
