About HTIP

How do I join a session?
You should receive an email with the join link by the day before the session. Click the join link, or type the URL into your browser's address bar, to go to the session. You will need to enter your name and email address to enter. If this is your first time using our web conferencing software, or if the software was recently updated, you will be prompted to install a plugin. Read more

Why can't I hear the session audio through my computer speakers?
The audio in a live Hot Topics session is presented through the telephone only. Before the session, you will receive an email with a link to view the visual portion of the webinar and a phone number to dial-in for the audio.

How do I register?
The Northwest Center for Public Health Practice works through its partners at state health departments and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) to coordinate registration. Please check our registration page to find the appropriate individual to contact. If you are not affiliated with one of our partner organizations, are not sure who to contact, or experience problems registering, please register through Sarah Paliulis, or use our online registration form.

Who presents on Hot Topics?
A variety of local, state, and national speakers on various issues. Please contact us if you have a suggestion for a future presenter.

Who moderates Hot Topics?
Leadership of the Hot Topics forum is currently shared among three moderators: Mr. Patrick Libbey, Dr. Ray (Bud) Nicola, and Mr. Jack Thompson.  Session moderation alternates each month. 

Mr. Libbey served as the Executive Director of the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) from September 2002 through 2008.  Prior to his work with NACCHO, Mr. Libbey served as the Director of the Thurston County Public Health and Social Services Department in Olympia, WA.  Mr. Libbey has served as a founder and incorporating board member of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB).

Dr. Nicola is a senior consultant and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention assignee to the NWCPHP.  He is a former Health Officer of Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, a former Director of Public Health – Seattle & King County, and a former Associate Director of the Tri-County District Health Department in Colorado. Dr. Nicola is an active board member of the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB), chairing the PHAB Assessment Process Workgroup.

Mr. Jack Thompson, MSW, is a former Director of the Northwest Center for Public Health Practice at the University of Washington and is Principal Lecturer with the Department of Health Services. Mr. Thompson has been on faculty in the School of Public Health since 1994. Prior to that time, he was at the Seattle-King County Department of Public Health for ten years and was the Director of the Seattle Health Services Division from 1986-1994.

Who funds Hot Topics?
Support is provided through a cooperative agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH).

What do we need to join the web conference?
We use a combination of iLinc web conferencing and teleconferencing to reach participants. Please visit  iLinc web conferencing to learn more about preparing your computer.

Is there a limit to how many people can log into the presentation?
Each live web event is limited to 55 computer connections. We encourage participation by groups in the same work site. If you are the facilitator for a group participation site, please see our iLinc training resources.