Now is an exciting time to be in public health. The pandemic re-introduced communities to what public health is, who we are and what we do, and the diversity of the field. This past year in particular, public health professionals have demonstrated their commitment, resiliency, and the created synergies of collaboration to address the biggest public health challenge of our generation. Creative community-based collaborations, at the state and local levels have created opportunities for feedback. The inclusive design of diverse community voices has helped to improve public health practice. Working together we can address the social determinants of health, the barriers to well-being, and the challenges faced by New Yorkers across the state. Inclusion, improved communication, and engagement are key. 

At NYSPHA, we are at an inflection point. Specifically, these past years we have solidified our partnerships with public health representatives from NYSACHO and NYSARH as well as other sector and regional groups. In our five-year strategic plan, our priority is to expand these partnerships to improve advocacy and public health literacy for all New Yorkers. We seek to expand our diversity: diversity of thought, geography, and demography. We look forward to helping to design productive dialogue, advocacy, and action. We hope you will join us.

Denise C. Tahara, MBA, MPhil, PhD

NYSPHA President