The Person Behind the Number: Placing People in Context

Public health is driven by data, but data alone can’t tell us who people are, what they need, or how to reach them. Too often, we reduce individuals and communities to statistics, overlooking the social, cultural, and structural contexts that shape their experiences and outcomes. This session invites public health professionals to slow down, reflect, and re-center people in our programs, policies, and partnerships. Together, we’ll explore how a context-first mindset can deepen our understanding, strengthen public health strategies, and foster more meaningful engagement with the communities we serve.

We’ll reflect on where we’ve been—and where we need to go—as we navigate public health practice in increasingly divided and tumultuous times.