Public Health Policy Forum
Forum Overview
The Public Health Policy Forum provides a statewide space for public health professionals to explore timely policy issues, learn from practitioners and subject matter experts, and connect across jurisdictions. Forums are designed to build shared understanding, highlight real-world examples, and strengthen relationships that support effective policy development and implementation.
Each 75-minute, facilitated (but informal) session focuses on timely policy topics shaping public health practices in the state, featuring expert speakers. Discussions feature expert speakers and emphasize real-world contexts, relationship-building, and actionable next steps. Designed to foster connections between public health leaders, policymakers, public health coalitions, professional organizations and other key policy groups in NC.
The Forum is for:
The forum is for anyone interested in engaging in policy conversations relevant to public in North Carolina, including
health directors; NC DPH leaders and staff; policymakers; public health coalitions; professional associations; and other partners working on policy in North Carolina.
Program Format & Timeline
The Forum meets virtually the second Friday of each month,
11:00 am to 12:15 pm.
Each 75-minute, facilitated (but informal) session focuses on timely policy topics shaping public health practices in the state, featuring expert speakers. Discussions feature expert speakers and emphasize real-world contexts, relationship-building, and actionable next steps. Designed to foster connections between public health leaders, policymakers, public health coalitions, professional organizations and other key policy groups in NC.
Upcoming Policy Forum Topics
July 10, 2026: From Engagement to Influence: What Worked, What Didn’t, and What’s Next
A panel of public health experts will share real-world experiences engaging policymakers, discussing partnership-building strategies, and reflecting on messaging approaches that advanced or stall policy goals.
August 14, 2026: TBD
Registration
If you would like to join the monthly Public Health Policy Forum call, please fill out this form (opens in a new tab) and we will get you connected with our team. There is no formal time commitment required for the forum, just drop-in when you’re available! For questions, contact Lauren Jones, Community Data Coordinator, at Lauren.Jones@unc.edu.
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Note: The Policy Skill-Building Seminar Series complements the Forum with deeper, hands-on learning (policy problem statements, coalition work, communications, and leadership).
What We Covered in 2025
The Forum’s first year focused on building understanding, practical skills, and stronger connections across North Carolina’s public health community. Each session featured timely policy discussions, real examples, and actionable insights from state and local leaders.
APRIL 11, 2025
Forum Launch & Legislative Policy Tracking
Amy Joy Lanou, NCIPH Director, and Jeremy McClayton, JS Consulting & Marketing Co-Founder, introduced the Forum and shared tools for monitoring state policy activity.
MAY 9, 2025
Understanding Policy Boundaries as a State Employee in NC
Jesus Peralta, Region 7 Workforce Development Director (Granville Vance Public Health), and Jeremy McClayton clarified rules around advocacy, lobbying, and the Hatch Act.
JUNE 13, 2025
Building and Maintaining Relationships with Policymakers
Ashley Stoop, Albermarle Regional Health Services Health Director, and Soni Pitts, Western North Carolina Health Policy Initiative Project Manager, explored how to foster ongoing trust and collaboration with decision-makers.
JULY 11, 2025
Budget Insights: Federal and State Perspectives
Jeremy McClayton and Patrick Brown, North Carolina Public Health Collaboration Executive Director, unpacked the budget process and its impact on local priorities.
AUGUST 8, 2025
Responding to Current and Impending Budget Decisions
Jeremy McClayton and Lisa Macon Harrison, Granville-Vance District Health Department Health Director, discussed real-time strategies for navigating budget uncertainty.
SEPTEMBER 12, 2025
Relationship-Building, Part II
Patrick Brown and Senator Ralph Hise, District 47, shared lessons from both sides of the policymaking table.
OCTOBER 10, 2025
Panel: Local Governance Ahead of Elections
A panel featuring Karl Johnson, Public Health Leadership and Practice Assistant Professor, Jennifer Greene, Appalachian District Health Department Health Director, Rodney Jenkins, Durham County Health Director, and Michael Zelek, Chatham County Health Director, examined how upcoming elections influence local health priorities.
NOVEMBER 14, 2025
Tobacco 21 Coalition
Meg Molloy, NC Tobacco 21 Coalition’s Campaign Director, presented on statewide collaboration and policy opportunities in tobacco prevention.
Ready to join the Forum?
If you would like to join the monthly Public Health Policy Forum call, please fill out this form (opens in a new tab) and we will get you connected with our team. For questions, contact Lauren Jones, Community Data Coordinator, at Lauren.Jones@unc.edu. ​