Pennsylvania Secretary Murphy Participates in Public Health Conference with Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Karen DeSalvo

PITTSBURGH, April 4, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania Health Secretary Dr. Karen Murphy today joined Acting U.S. Assistant Secretary for Health Karen DeSalvo for a day-long conference on "Public Health 3.0," aimed at building innovative partnerships to improve health care for all Pennsylvanians.

The event, which took place on the first day of National Public Health Week, spotlighted the ways public health advocates are working across sectors to build partnerships with a common goal of improving health outcomes.

"This event kicks off a new holistic approach to public health that embraces innovative solutions by bringing together health care providers, local communities, and all levels of government," said Secretary Murphy. "It's very different from the traditional 'top down' approach to improving public health and I believe will affect long term change for the better."

The conference brought together representatives from a variety of sectors, including federal, state and local public health officials, business leaders, nonprofit and urban planning organizations.

Secretary DeSalvo, the conference's host, emphasized the need for public health agencies and advocates to serve as leaders in local communities.

"At a time in this country when, too often, your zip code can be the most accurate determinant of your health, we must work together toward solutions – empowering local leadership and building strong, community-based coalitions," said DeSalvo. "Public Health 3.0 is a chance to bring people from across sectors, like the terrific leaders here in Allegheny County, together for a discussion on how we can build healthier communities throughout America."

Sessions focused on enhanced leadership and workforce skills, cross-sector partnerships, accreditation and infrastructure, data and analytics, and funding.

Additionally, there will be a spotlight on the Live Well Allegheny initiative, which will be led by  Director of the Allegheny County Health Department Dr. Karen Hacker, as well as a panel session on the role of both state and big-to-small local public health departments.

Other Department of Health officials attending the conference included Deputy Secretary of Health Innovation Dr. Lauren Hughes and Deputy Secretary of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Dr. Loren Robinson.

Public Health 3.0 is a movement in public health that emphasizes cross-sectoral environmental, policy and systems-level actions that directly affect the social determinants of health.

MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Worden, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us