The Center for Public Health Implementation's Governance Academy Goes to Kentucky
A Collaboration with the KY Health Department Association
On September 24, 2026, Center for Public Health Implementation (CPHI) faculty Michael Sparer and Rob Shepardson
led a day-long session on Communications Strategy in an Era of Distrust at the annual retreat of the Kentucky Health Department Association (KHDA). Professor Sparer started the day with a look back at the longstanding roots of distrust in the institutions of American government, distrust that has increased in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Professor Shepardson then led the several dozen participants in a set of interactive tasks aimed at developing a communications strategy built off challenges faced by two of the state’s local health departments. As Professor Shepardson noted afterwards, the local health officials were both “impressive and inspiring,” and our work with them is at the core of our mission in CPHI.
The Governance Academy at CPHI is designed to provide public health leaders and elected officials with a comprehensive understanding of the historical, governance, and organizational dynamics within the public health system. Through a series of diverse and interactive evidence-based, non-partisan learning environments, the Academy explores key topics related to public health policy, program implementation, leadership, communication, and organizational dynamics.