Networking Sessions

Networking Sessions : 3:45 – 5:00 p.m. ET Thursday, September 17

Interactive Round-Table Sessions

CDC’s Eviction Moratorium Order
Join Kerri and other colleagues for a discussion about the CDC’s historic nationwide eviction moratorium Order, which bans residential evictions for failure to pay rent from September 1 to December 31, 2020. We will talk about the provisions, scope, and effect of the Order and whether Section 361 of the Public Health Service Act authorizes the CDC to take such actions. We will also discuss the likelihood of legal challenge in court on statutory and constitutional grounds and the implications of judicial outcomes on future federal public health interventions aimed at combatting communicable disease.

  • Kerri Lowrey, JD, MPH, Deputy Director, Network for Public Health Law, Eastern Region

Harm Reduction
Join Corey and colleagues for a discussion of the ways in which COVID-19 has worsened the ongoing crisis of drug-related harm, and how some organizations and officials are working to reduce those risks. Potential topics of discussion include utilizing existing law to minimize disruption to harm reduction supplies and services, extending temporary changes to opioid use disorder treatment, and permanently shifting the dialogue regarding the health and human rights of people who use drugs.

  • Corey Davis, JD, MSPH, Deputy Director, Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region Office
  • Amy Lieberman, JD, Senior Attorney, Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region Office

Medicaid Access and Maternal and Child Health
Sarah will highlight some of the challenges that have arisen during the COVID-19 emergency for families and children who need Medicaid services, as well as examples of state innovations intended to enhance access. Participants can share their own stories of barriers and successes and learn from colleagues around the country.

  • Sarah Somers, JD, MPH, Managing Attorney, Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region Office

Public Health Official Safety
Join Brooke and fellow colleagues for a discussion of the ongoing threats many public health officials are experiencing as a result of their protective and enforcement efforts in response to COVID-19. Brooke will have available the criminal statutes in each state that public officials may use when threatened for doing their jobs during the pandemic. Get insight from others and share your experience in addressing this unprecedented public health workforce issue.

  • Brooke Torton, JD, Senior Staff Attorney, Network for Public Health Law, Eastern Region Office

State and Local Strategies to Address Racism in Health Care and Public Health
Join fellow colleagues in a discussion about how to turn a commitment to addressing racism into meaningful action to achieve health equity. This conversation will delve into ways to acknowledge racism as a health determinant, inform the development of equitable laws and policies, and shape public discourse as trusted messengers. Dawn will have examples of how cities, states, and counties are acting on their commitments and highlight tools and tips for public health practitioners. Gene will tackle questions about the challenges of messaging in a polarized political environment. Participants can share their own stories of barriers and successes and learn from colleagues around the country.

  • Dawn Hunter, JD, MPH, Deputy Director, Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region Office
  • Gene Matthews, JD, Director, Network for Public Health Law, Southeastern Region Office