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Explore all the free resources in the Public Health Law Academy
Public health professionals at all levels need to have a clear understanding of our legal system and its role in improving overall population health. Our free online resources and trainings were designed to provide deeper understanding of the use of law and policy to improve health equity.
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Who needs to understand our legal system and how it affects public health?

No matter where in our public health system a public health practitioner works, understanding the law is essential for advancing health and equity. This knowledge is important for staff in local, state, and federal health departments and also for public health lawyers, nurses, and faculty and students in public health graduate and undergraduate programs.

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Build legal & policy skills

Public health practitioners who enrolled in the free Public Health Law Academy training plan and received their certificates of completion shared with us what they learned and how they'll use the knowledge in their work.

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Use our trainings and facilitation materials

Public Health Law Academy training videos and tools for trainers were developed by ChangeLab Solutions in cooperation with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) Public Health Law Program (PHLP). They were designed to help build the capacity of aspiring and practicing public health professionals at all levels of government. Trainings are free and on-demand for anyone who wishes to strengthen their understanding of our legal system and how it affects public health. Tools for trainers are available to use in all educational and professional settings.

Introduction to Public Health Law - Video Training Series

This introductory 3-part series covers the core public health law concepts that all public health practitioners need to know. These trainings cover the legacy of public health law, the importance of preemption, and how levels of government work together.

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Introduction to Public Health Law - Tools for Trainers

A collection of tools to support anyone interested in delivering trainings from the Introduction to Public Health Series. Each training has its own facilitator's checklist, facilitator's guide, facilitator's script, and PowerPoint presentation.

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Administrative Law & Health Equity - Video Training Series

This 3-part series was designed for individuals who are working in or with public health departments. These trainings cover the powers and limits of health departments to create, implement, and enforce public health laws.

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Administrative Law & Health Equity - Tools for Trainers

A collection of tools to support anyone interested in delivering trainings from the Administrative Law Series. Each training has its own facilitator's checklist, facilitator's guide, facilitator's script, and PowerPoint presentation.

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Hot Topics in Public Health Law - Video Training Series

This 3-part series explores how public health law is constantly evolving in response to public health emergencies. These trainings examine real-life scenarios and current public health challenges, including natural disasters and the opioid epidemic.

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Hot Topics in Public Health Law - Tools for Trainers

A collection of tools to support anyone interested in delivering trainings from the Hot Topics in Public Health Law Series. Each training has its own facilitator's checklist, facilitator's guide, facilitator's script, and PowerPoint presentation.

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Legal Epidemiology - Video Training Series

This 3-part series takes a deep dive into the scientific study of how laws affect public health. These trainings introduce legal epidemiology and two facets of legal epidemiology practice, legal mapping and research methods.

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Legal Epidemiology - Tools for Trainers

A collection of tools to support anyone interested in delivering trainings from the Legal Epidemiology Series. Each training has its own facilitator's checklist, facilitator's guide, facilitator's script, and PowerPoint presentation.

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PHLA - Students
Legal epidemiology resources
We've collected resources for those building new skills and competencies in the field of legal epidemiology. These materials are intended to supplement our 3-part Legal Epidemiology series
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More resources to explore

In addition to our trainings and facilitator materials, we also have research, tools, and legislative updates of interest to public health practitioners.

Preparing the Next Generation of Public Health Practitioners

Read our report on how academic programs can better prepare the public health workforce to understand and use law to improve population health outcomes.

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Using Legal Epidemiology to Advance Health Equity

ChangeLab Solutions and the CDC’s Public Health Law Program (PHLP) partner to train staff from health departments and organizations through learning cohorts.

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Improving Public Health Data Collection & Sharing

A legislative update about bills seeking to strengthen emergency preparedness and other essential public health services by improving public health data collection and sharing.

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The Importance of Public Health Law for the Public Health Workforce

Watch our Q&A with professionals and learn more about key findings and recommendations.

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Understanding Legal Authority to Address Social Determinants of Health

Health departments can help ensure the health and safety of our communities by leveraging their legal authority to improve SDOH for all residents. Learn more about sources and limits of legal authority with our new guide.

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Confronting Misinformation

Take an in-depth look at how misinformation and disinformation can undermine the public’s health.

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