The Roots of Health | The 12th Annual Public Health Speaker Series

About this event

Our 12th Annual Touro University California Public Health Speaker Series continues its tradition of bringing together experts, scholars, and community leaders to explore timely issues shaping public health and health disparities. This year’s series looks upstream to examine the historical, economic, and structural forces that shape health and well-being. Speakers will explore themes including: - History and its lasting impact on health, including how past policies and systems continue to influence present-day disparities - Poverty, income, and economic inequality as fundamental drivers of health and opportunity - Structural factors and public health, examining how systems, policies, and institutions shape the conditions in which people live, work, and thrive Together, the series will examine how historical, economic, and institutional systems produce and sustain unequal health outcomes and consider the policy and systemic changes needed to improve health and well-being across communities. Lectures are open to the public and free! Light refreshments are provided, and registration is required. Visit this link to RSVP today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/12th-annual-public-health-speaker-series-2026-tickets-1999532935837?aff=oddtdtcreator Registration to join virtually: https://tourouniversity.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pa1biV8OSpCeRy5iYKeckg#/registration FULL SERIES SCHEDULE: September 24: Immigration, Social Movements, and Poverty: A Global Perspective – Genevieve Negrón-Gonzales, PhD An examination of immigration, education, economic conditions, and social policy, and how these forces influence opportunity, community well-being, and health. October 15: Native Communities, History, and Economic Well-Being – Cutcha Risling Baldy, PhD A historical perspective on the economic and social conditions that have shaped the health and well-being of Native communities, including the continuing influence of policy, land, education, and community resources. October 29: Children, Poverty, and Public Policy – Shimica Gaskins, JD A policy and advocacy perspective on the economic and social conditions affecting children and families, with attention to how public policy can influence opportunity, health, and community well-being. November 12: Poverty, Incarceration, and Economic Stability – Reuben Jonathan Miller, PhD An examination of the relationship between poverty and incarceration and how involvement with the criminal legal system can affect employment, housing, family economic stability, and health. November 19: Local Perspectives on Homelessness and the Unhoused: Poverty, Economic Insecurity, and Public Health - Panel Panelists: TBD A public health perspective on homelessness and the experiences of unhoused individuals and families in our local communities, with attention to the economic and structural conditions that contribute to housing instability and homelessness, the health consequences of being unhoused, and the challenges people face in accessing health care, housing, social services, and other supports. December 3 – Poverty, Food Insecurity, and Community Solutions – Lisa Goldman Rosas, PhD An examination of the relationship between poverty, access to nutritious food, and health, with attention to public policy, community programs, and practical approaches to improving food access.