2024 Keynote Sessions

September 24th, 2024 – 12:15 – 1:30 pm

Opening Keynote:
Our History is Our FutureWhat we’ve been through informs where we go next

SPEAKER:
Dwinita Mosby Tyler, Chief Catalyst & Founder, The Equity Project, LLC

Event Description:

This is an empowering session that sets the stage for understanding the important history of public health and our personal proximity to that history. The session will inspire participants to think in transformative ways while affirming the gravity of our individual journeys. This session answers the question “where are we now?” in innovative and thought provoking ways.


September 25th, 2024 – 8:00 – 9:15 AM

The State of Public Health in Colorado Panel

SPEAKERS:
Dean Cathy Bradley, Dean of the Colorado School of Public Health
Jill Hunsaker Ryan, Executive Director of Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera

Montelle Tamez, Colorado Public Health Association (Moderator)

Event Description:

The states are often the lead in policies to improve public health. Hear from state and academic leaders who are driving key public health work in Colorado to address our communities’ most pressing needs at the local and state levels. 


September 26th, 2024 – 12:30 – 1:45 pm

Closing Keynote: The Future of Public Health in Colorado Panel: Reaching New Heights

SPEAKERS:
Kweku Hazel, Co-Founder of Gyedi Project and General Surgeon and Faculty Fellow, University of Colorado Hospital
Robert Belknap M.D., Executive Director, Public Health Institute at Denver Health
Nadine Bridges, MSW, Executive Director, OneColorado
Madison Goering, MSW, MPH, Senior Professional Research Assistant, Center for Health, Work, and Environment
Dr. Ned Calonge, MD, MPH, (Moderator)

Event Description:

The closing session for this year’s 2024 Public Health in the Rockies Conference is slated as a panel discussion titled “The Future of Public Health in Colorado: Reaching New Heights”. Within the framework of the conference theme, Elevating Rocky Mountain Health, this session aims to build off concepts and topics introduced during the opening keynote and a mid-conference policy panel deliberating “The Current State of Public Health”. By bringing together a diverse group of public health leaders driving change within Colorado’s communities, we hope to leave attendees with a clear vision on how they can support the progress of Colorado’s public health goals in their own work. 

This five-person panel includes practitioners with demonstrated proficiency in addressing health inequities and disparities, vulnerable and underserved communities, rural health challenges, clinical systems change, and innovative workforce development. 

The closing panel session will engage in conversation prompted by a capable moderator. Questions will be posed to help ignite thoughtful discussion around Colorado’s future public health challenges, strategies, needs, and direction, both short-term and long-term.