By Romell Williams
The 13th annual State of the Public’s Health Conference kicked off with a key message – public health is something that is “everything, everywhere, all at once,” said Tekisha Everette, executive vice president of Trust for America’s Health.
Everette spoke before a packed crowd of around 200 people, gathered at the Georgia Center for Continuing Education, eager to hear public health leaders confront pressing challenges and celebrate advancements in the field. This year’s conference promised a robust exchange of ideas, with discussions addressing issues such as maternal health, supporting rural communities and emergency preparedness.
The event’s focus on innovative strategies and finding solutions to enhance community health provided Everette the opportunity to emphasize the vital role of public health professionals in navigating today’s complexities. She did so by underscoring the urgent need for continued funding and innovation to improve health outcomes statewide and nationally.
Everette highlighted critical challenges, including rampant misinformation and attacks on public health officials. She likened public health professionals to the protagonist in “Everything Everywhere All at Once.”
“Public health should never be a partisan issue; it’s about ensuring every individual can live their healthiest life,” Everette said. “Public health needs champions who can articulate the value of our work, ensuring people understand that we are not just about regulation but about making their lives better.”
Everette also presented findings from Tresco America’s Health, where she previously worked, noting Georgia’s recognition in the latest “Ready or Not” report for its high tier status in public health readiness. This success is attributed to initiatives such as the Nurse Messenger Compact, accreditation efforts, and a strong flu vaccination rate among residents.
While national trends indicate alarming increases in deaths from alcohol, drugs and suicide, Georgia has seen a decrease in alcohol-induced deaths and suicides. However, rising synthetic opioid and cocaine use raises concerns, emphasizing the need for continued mental health and behavioral health interventions.
Everette stressed the importance of public health funding, pointing out that significant improvements in life expectancy are largely due to public health interventions.
Everette urged conference attendees to discover their “why” to fuel their public health careers. By sharing personal stories and connecting with community needs, professionals can authentically engage and drive meaningful change in the field.
