Title: "Public Health 3.0 in Practice: Success Stories from the Field"
This talk explores and highlights the evolution of public health initiatives, moving beyond traditional models to embrace a more integrated, holistic approach known as Public Health 3.0. This new paradigm emphasizes cross-sectoral partnerships, community engagement, and the use of technology and data to address the social determinants of health. Through a series of case studies and real-world examples, the presentation will showcase how local, regional, and state communities have successfully implemented Public Health 3.0 strategies to tackle complex health issues. It covers innovative practices in data sharing, policy development, and community-driven approaches that have led to measurable improvements in health outcomes. The talk will also discuss the challenges faced during these initiatives and the lessons learned, providing valuable insights for public health professionals, policymakers, and community leaders seeking to apply these principles in their own contexts.
Biosketch:
Dr. Chuck Sepers is an applied public health professional with extensive experience in research and public health practice. Currently serving as the Health Officer and Director of the Appleton Wisconsin Health Department, Sepers manages a diverse team of professional staff, focusing on program implementation, regulatory activity, and public health system modernization. With a background in both academic and practical settings, he has successfully pursued funding, led accreditation and quality improvement activities, and fostered collaborations to achieve strategic health goals. Dr. Sepers has held numerous roles, including serving as the Health Director/Chief Public Health Officer at the Nebraska East Central District Health Department during the COVID-19 pandemic and as Evaluation Project Coordinator at the University of Kansas.
While at the University of Kansas Center for Community Health and Development and WHO Collaborating Center, Dr. Sepers' evaluation research included community efforts to combat the 2015 Ebola outbreak, addressing issues related to health equity in Kansas City, Kansas, and understanding the effects of a national diabetes initiative. Since joining the field of public health practice in 2019, Sepers has largely focused on public health workforce development, addressing issues related to health equity, and initiating efforts around public health systems modernization.
He earned his Ph.D. in Behavioral Psychology with a concentration in Community Health and Development from the University of Kansas. Dr. Sepers also holds an M.P.H. from the University of Kansas Medical Center, an M.A. in Behavioral Psychology from the University of Kansas, a B.S. in Psychology & Exercise Science from the University of Nebraska Kearney, and an A.A. from Central Community College in Grand Island.
