UPHA Units, Sections, and Committees

Listed below are UPHA's active Units, Sections, Committees, and Special Interest Groups. All members are encouraged to select at least one Section or Special Interest Group that fits their area of work or interest and to participate in its activities. Membership in the American Public Health Association provides an opportunity for involvement in national sections and caucuses.


Ten or more UPHA members may petition the OPHA Board to form a Section to address a particular field or area of public health or to form a section around a particular public health issue. Following board approval, Sections must elect officers, develop bylaws, and hold at least one business meeting scheduled during OPHA's annual conference.

Evaluation, Improvement, and Innovation SIG

The UPHA Evaluation, Improvement & Innovation Special Interest Group (EII SIG) is an intentional space to define and build the evaluation and quality improvement work within the Utah Public Health System. Monthly Meetings are held on the 2nd Friday of every month from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., virtually. Contact the EII SIG Chair Camille Roundy for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

Chair - Camille Roundy, MPH

Co-Chair - Austin Andrews, MA, MBA

Who Should Join Objectives
- Public health professionals and advocates. 1. Ensure representation from all areas of the Utah Public Health System.
- Representatives from all sectors of the Utah Public Health System. 2. Define evaluation and improvement for the Utah Public Health System.
- Individuals passionate about fostering collaboration, driving system change, and building workforce capacity in evaluation and quality improvement. 3. Develop training opportunities for public health evaluation and assessment professionals.
4. Establish EII SpIG as a permanent UPHA group.

Please fill out this form if you'd like to become a member of the EII SIG.

Academic Section

The UPHA Academic Section brings together faculty and academic institutions to strengthen Utah’s public health workforce through collaboration, training, and assessment. The section supports student engagement, builds partnerships with local health departments, helps meet public health program accreditation requirements, and provides a platform for academics to address shared public health priorities. Contact the Academic Section Chair Alisha Redelfs for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

Chair - Alisha Redelfs, MPH, PhD

Who Should Join Objectives
- Faculty and staff from public health and health education programs (undergraduate and graduate) 1. Collaborate on workforce development initiatives with local health departments and community partners
- Academic professionals involved in public health workforce development or training 2. Support student engagement and leadership through mentoring and cross-institutional collaboration
- Public health educators working on accreditation or curriculum design 3. Align academic efforts to meet public health program accreditation standards

Please fill out this form if you'd like to become a member of the Academic Section.

Student Assembly

The UPHA Student Assembly is a student-led working group within UPHA that brings student voices into public health planning and decision-making. Assembly members help shape UPHA events, support professional development efforts, and represent emerging professionals across Utah’s public health landscape. Contact the Student Assembly President Sephora Giraud-Carrier for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

SA President - Sephora Giraud-Carrier - BS Public Health

Who Should Join Objectives
- Current students or recent graduates in public health or related fields 1. Provide a student perspective to UPHA’s planning of events, webinars, and advocacy efforts
- Students interested in public health advocacy, communications, or equity 2. Engage and recruit students into UPHA events, initiatives, and leadership opportunities
- Students looking to expand their public health network and connect with professionals 3. Promote student voice in shaping the future of public health in the state
- Motivated individuals who want leadership experience in a statewide organization 4. Offer hands-on leadership roles including Vice President, Secretary, University Liaison, and Committee Liaison

Please fill out this form if you'd like to become a member of the Student Assembly.

Conference Planning Committee

The UPHA Conference Planning Committee organizes the association’s annual conference, a key statewide event bringing together public health professionals, students, and community partners. Committee members coordinate logistics, recruit speakers, secure community sponsorships, and shape programming that reflects the evolving needs of Utah’s public health workforce. Contact UPHA President-Elect Sarah Hodson for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

President-Elect - Sarah Hodson, MPH

Vice-President - Mindy Steadman, MPH, MS, PhD

Who Should Join Objectives
- Public health professionals with experience or enthusiasm for organizing conferences or large events 1. Plan and execute the UPHA Annual Conference, including speaker selection, scheduling, and outreach
- Individuals passionate about showcasing public health work and best practices in Utah 2. Elevate Utah public health efforts through meaningful, relevant, and inclusive programming
- Members who want to build connections across UPHA sections, partners, and the broader community 3. Ensure the conference supports professional development and CE opportunities for attendees
4. Support logistics such as venue selection, registration, marketing, and technology needs

Please fill out this form if you'd like to participate in the Conference Planning Committee.

Advocacy Unit

The UPHA Advocacy Unit leads the association’s policy and legislative efforts, working to amplify public health priorities at both the state and national levels. Each year, the unit hosts an Advocacy Day on the Hill at the Utah State Capitol, coordinates legislative tracking and action alerts, and empowers members to become effective public health advocates. Contact the Advocacy Unit Chair Alyssa Mitchell for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

Chair - Alyssa Mitchell, MPH

Who Should Join Objectives
- UPHA members passionate about influencing public health policy 1. Plan and host an annual Advocacy Day on the Hill at the Utah Capitol to engage members in direct legislative advocacy
- Members with experience in legislative work, communications, or advocacy 2. Track priority public health legislation during the state legislative session and share bill summaries with UPHA members
- Those who want to develop or improve their advocacy, writing, or messaging skills 3. Develop and distribute action alerts to inform members about opportunities to engage in health policy
4. Submit op-eds and letters to the editor to raise awareness of key policy issues

Please fill out this form if you'd like to participate in the Advocacy Unit.

IDEA Committee

The UPHA Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee works to ensure that public health programs, policies, and events are inclusive and accessible to all Utah communities. The committee leads efforts to identify gaps, promote equity, and guide UPHA in creating a more just and representative public health system. Contact the IDEA Committee Chair Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard for more information on meeting times and events.

Leadership

Chair - Mary Kathryn Curcio Stoddard, MPH, CPH

Who Should Join Objectives
- Any public health professional committed to advancing equity and inclusion 1. Advise UPHA leadership on strategies to improve inclusion, accessibility, and cultural humility
- Individuals passionate about dismantling structural barriers in public health 2. Review and help shape policies, communications, and events to align with equity goals
- UPHA members from all backgrounds and lived experiences 3. Collaborate with other UPHA committees to embed IDEA principles across all areas of the association

Please fill out this form if you'd like to participate in the IDEA Committee.