Interdisciplinary Association for Population Health Science - IAPHS

08/18/2026

Shame and stigma do not promote population health, yet they remain pervasive across educational programs, applied practice, and health policy.

Learn how to recognize weight stigma and use weight-inclusive practices in your population health work at this free IAPHS webinar on August 27, 2026, Noon Eastern/9:00 am Pacific.

https://iaphs.org/tools-for-success/online-events/

08/18/2026

"Overall, our findings suggest that paid family leave and preschool-access programs may support parent health and well-being, especially for mothers facing greater structural barriers." --Whitney Wells

In our Student Spotlight this month, Whitney Wells shares her research into how family support policies such as paid family leave affect parents' cardiovascular health.



https://iaphs.org/student-spotlight-whitney-wells-supporting-parent-health/

08/18/2026

"There is research demonstrating how access to oral health care for people with diabetes can help mitigate their chronic condition, and reduce health care costs. In addition to this, there is also the isolation that comes with oral health infections — what happens when you can’t eat properly. Without comprehensive oral health care coverage, low-income older adults who lose their permanent teeth will likely be unable to afford dentures or prosthesis. This can impact their intake of nutritious foods and can cause serious impacts on their health if they suffer weight loss. Additionally, there is a mental health effect when people can’t connect to their communities because they might be embarrassed, or not feel well due to dental pain." --Samantha Morales

The disparities around dental care fall especially hard on older adults.

This week on our blog, Blog Editor Claire Atlman talks with Samantha Morales from Justice in Aging about efforts to close the gaps in oral health, what's happening in the current policy landscape, and what population health researchers can do to help.

Justice In Aging

https://iaphs.org/closing-the-gap-a-conversation-on-oral-health-equity-and-aging/

08/12/2026

👨‍⚖️Call for poster judges

Here's a way to give back to the IAPHS community: Volunteer to be a poster judge at our conference September 29 - October 2, 2026.

You'll be supporting the next generation of scientists, expanding your professional network, and more.

https://iaphs.org/conference/poster-judges-registration/

08/12/2026

The disparities around dental care fall especially hard on older adults.

This week on our blog, Blog Editor Claire Atlman talks with Samantha Morales from Justice in Aging about efforts to close the gaps in oral health, what's happening in the current policy landscape, and what population health researchers can do to help.

Justice In Aging

https://iaphs.org/closing-the-gap-a-conversation-on-oral-health-equity-and-aging/

08/11/2026

Early-bird registration for this year's conference ends August 24, 2026.

Find out more about the conference, "Reimagining Population Health to Build Trust and Influence" in Portland, Oregon, September 29- October 2, 2026, here: https://iaphs.org/conference/

Register here: https://iaphs.org/conference/registration/

08/11/2026

In our Student Spotlight this month, Whitney Wells shares her research into how family support policies such as paid family leave affect parents' cardiovascular health.



https://iaphs.org/student-spotlight-whitney-wells-supporting-parent-health/

08/07/2026

"The new estimated rate for the veteran central Appalachian underground miners is more than a fourfold increase since the prevalence of the disease hit a low point: just 7%, in 1999. That was 22 years after Congress imposed strict limits on exposure to the coal mine dust that causes black lung.

Since then, the dramatic plunge has reversed, especially in Appalachia, where thousands of miners are suffering from early, advanced and fatal stages of disease, according to data gathered from clinics testing and treating miners. Unlike NIOSH, which focuses on working miners, the clinics tend to see retired and laid-off miners who seek lung exams while trying to obtain state or federal black lung benefits."

A new report found that working veteran underground coal miners in central Appalachia are suffering from black lung at the highest rates in nearly 50 years.

08/06/2026

Hey, students heading to the conference: Join our Student Pre-Conference Virtual Meetup on September 22.

Get practical conference tips, meet fellow students via speed networking, and arrive already knowing a few friendly faces.

Whether it's your first conference or your tenth, all student members are welcome!

Learn more here: https://iaphs.org/tools-for-success/online-events/

07/29/2026

💻 Our next IAPHS webinar:

"Trust in Population Health Reimagined: Cross Sector Perspectives from Mississippi Communities," moderated by Torrey Robinson and Kerri Ivey, August 13, 2026, 12-1:30 Eastern.

At a time when trust in science, healthcare, and institutions continues to be discussed and challenged, what makes trust possible? This student-centered panel will explore how trust is built, lost, and rebuilt within communities and local systems. Bringing together perspectives from journalism, policy, history, and community-engaged research, panelists will share real-world experiences and reflections on trustworthiness, accountability, communication, and the challenges of earning and maintaining trust. Attendees will gain insights they can apply to their own work in population health.

Learn more here: https://iaphs.org/tools-for-success/online-events/