2025 Annual Conference & Meeting

Resolve not Retreat: Public Health in the Face of Authoritarianism


Date: November 19, 2025
Time: 9:30 am-12:30 pm.

For the agenda and program materials, click here.

If you haven’t had a chance to fill out the post-event survey, please do so here.

The 2025 Annual Conference & Meeting brought together public health leaders and community partners for a powerful conversation about the challenges facing public health in an era of rising authoritarianism. With democracy under strain, science increasingly sidelined, and marginalized communities disproportionately targeted, this year’s convening emphasized a shared commitment to rise, not retreat. 

Keynote Presentation 

Dr. Robbie Goldstein, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, delivered the keynote address, offering a clear-eyed assessment of today’s public health landscape. He highlighted the significant pressures facing the field and shared how the Department is navigating this complex moment while staying grounded in science, community partnership, integrity, and equity. 

Dr. Goldstein was joined by three senior leaders who provided focused insights from across the Department, and reinforced the Commissioner’s focus on partnership and equity: 

Deidre (Dee) Calvert, Director of the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, spoke on harm reduction, syringe service programs, behavioral health promotion, and the progress made toward closing disparities in overdose outcomes.

Jill Clark, Director of the Division of Child/Adolescent Health and Reproductive Health, discussed ongoing work in reproductive health and school-based health initiatives that support young people statewide.

Dr. Hafsatou (Fifi) Diop, Assistant Commissioner for Health Equity, highlighted efforts to advance racial equity amid shifting federal priorities, underscoring the importance of sustained equity-centered public health strategies.

Together, their perspectives offered a comprehensive look at the Department’s critical priorities and its resolve to protect public health during a pivotal time. 

See the event recording on our YouTube channel now! 

Thank You To Our Sponsors!

Activator

Mobilizers

Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts

Point32Health

Stewart Landers

Disruptors

Boston College School of Nursing

Boston Public Health Commission

Edelman Financial Engines

Allies

Boston University School of Social Work: Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health

CSL Seqirus

Massachusetts Medical Society

Northeastern University Department of Public Health and Health Sciences 

Educators

Regis College, Public Health Programs: Online Bachelors Degree Completion, BA-PH, and Online MPH

Tufts University School of Medicine MPH Program

UMASS Amherst School of Public Health and Health Sciences

UMASS Lowell Public Health