UPHA Sections and Special Interest Groups
Listed below are UPHA's active Units, Sections, 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.
