Last week, ASPPH advanced its advocacy presence in Washington, DC, through two major initiatives: hosting a Virtual Hill Day for members and joining the national Rally for Medical Research. These coordinated efforts highlighted the importance of strong, sustained investments in federal public health and research agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). By amplifying the voice of academic public health, ASPPH underscored its commitment to ensuring healthier communities nationwide.
Virtual Hill Day: Elevating ASPPH’s Priorities
The Virtual Hill Day brought together academic public health leaders from across the country to meet directly with congressional offices. Participants highlighted ASPPH’s FY 2026 funding priorities, with a focus on ensuring robust investments in the NIH and the CDC. These discussions emphasized the critical role of federal funding in supporting research breakthroughs, strengthening the public health workforce, and maintaining preparedness for emerging threats.
By engaging policymakers directly, ASPPH members reinforced the message that reliable federal support fuels healthier communities, advances scientific discovery, and bolsters the nation’s public health infrastructure.
Rally for Medical Research: A National Call to Action
In parallel, ASPPH Chief External Relations and Advocacy Officer Tim Leshan represented the association at the Rally for Medical Research, a coalition-driven event uniting advocates from across the biomedical and public health spectrum. Speaking with federal leaders and stakeholders, Leshan emphasized the vital role of NIH funding in driving innovation, protecting communities, and improving health outcomes across the lifespan.
Unified Message: Sustained Federal Investment Matters
Together, these efforts delivered a clear and unified message: robust and reliable federal investment is essential to sustaining innovation and addressing the nation’s most pressing public health challenges. ASPPH’s active engagement demonstrates the critical connection between academic public health, federal policy, and the health and well-being of every community in the United States.
By combining grassroots advocacy through Hill Day with national coalition leadership at the Rally, ASPPH continues to position academic public health as a trusted voice on Capitol Hill and a driving force for advancing science, equity, and healthier communities.