Expanded Partnership to Co-Host the 2026 Public Health Partnership Conference in Lake Placid

20 Nov 2025

(Albany, New York) The New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA), the New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO), and the New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSRHA) are proud to announce an expanded partnership with the New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) Fellowship Program to co-plan and host the 2026 NYS Public Health Partnership Conference. This premier statewide gathering of public health professionals will take place April 22–24, 2026, at the Conference Center in Lake Placid, Essex County, New York.

The annual NYS Public Health Partnership Conference is New York’s leading forum for bringing together professionals across public health sectors to share best practices, spark innovation, and build collaborations that strengthen the health of communities across the state. With the addition of the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program as a planning partner, the conference reflects the growing strength of New York’s public health workforce and the collective commitment to advancing health equity through innovation and communication.

The 2026 conference theme, Advancing Health Equity Together Through Innovation and Communication, will highlight timely and emerging priorities in public health, including:

Workforce and Leadership Development
Communication Strategies and Making the Case for Public Health Practice
Use of Data, Technology, and AI in Public Health Practice
Collaborative Local Partnerships to Drive Health Outcomes
Environmental Health Equity and Preparedness – Prevention and Implementation
Focus on Prevention Agenda Priority Areas
Policy into Practice: Implementing Public Health Policy

Partner Organization Quotes

New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH):

“The foundation of public health is built around strong collaboration and partnership among public health professionals who are committed to improving health outcomes through innovative and equitable strategies. The Department’s dedicated New York Public Health Corps fellows represent a diverse cohort of individuals representing communities from all corners of the state. Through this expanded partnership, Fellows will have an exciting opportunity to expand their professional network and share in strategies that will shape the future of health in New York State.” – State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald

New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA):

“Now more than ever, New York needs strong, collaborative public health leadership. By convening partners, including our members from academia and public health organizations from across the state, our annual conference helps turn shared knowledge into meaningful action.” - Erin Sinisgalli, Executive Director

New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO):

“Strong partnerships are the foundation of effective public health practice, and this conference reflects the very best of what we can achieve when we bring our collective strengths together. Local health departments and the governmental public health workforce are on the front lines of protecting communities every day, and their inclusion in this partnership ensures that statewide strategies are grounded in real-world experience and local needs. We are proud to join with our colleagues across the state to advance health outcomes, strengthen our workforce, and build a more resilient public health system for every New Yorker.” - Sarah Ravenhall, Executive Director

New York State Association for Rural Health (NYSARH):

“The inclusion of rural voices in the 2026 Public Health Partnership Conference reflects New York’s commitment to equity for every community, no matter how small or remote. Rural health leaders bring deep experience in collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving across distances and disciplines. Rural and public health have a strong intersect and by ensuring that statewide strategies are informed by the realities and strengths of rural New York. Rural health is public health. By coming together under one conference, we’re breaking down silos and building a stronger, more connected public health system for every New Yorker, regardless of ZIP code.” - Jennifer Muthig, Executive Director

In addition to the larger 2026 Public Health Partnership Conference, the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program will be hosting its Annual Summit on April 22, 2026, with the theme What’s Next: Moving from Fellowship into Action. This is an opportunity for Fellows to come together from across New York State to network, share ideas, and gain tools to prepare them for the next phase of their public health career.

New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC):

“This is an exciting opportunity for the NYSPHC Fellows to be able to not only network with each other at the Summit, but also to network with other public health professionals from across the state. This event is the culmination of their professional development in the NYSPHC Program, where Fellows will take what they have learned over the past two years and start to look ahead to the exciting new chapter post fellowship.” - Ashley Tate, Director

With its setting in beautiful Lake Placid, the 2026 Public Health Partnership Conference will provide a unique opportunity for health leaders, researchers, practitioners, students, and advocates to network, learn, and share strategies that advance healthier and more equitable communities.

For more information and to stay updated, visit the conference website, where all details will be announced: http://www.nysphpc.org

About the Public Health Partnership Conference

The Public Health Partnership Conference is co-hosted annually by the New York State Public Health Association, the New York State Association of County Health Officials, the New York State Association for Rural Health, and the New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program. As New York’s premier statewide public health gathering, the conference fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and advocacy to strengthen the health and well-being of all New Yorkers.

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