Hot Topics in Practice is a monthly webinar forum to discuss issues currently affecting public health practice.

Each month guest speakers from local, state, tribal, and national public health organizations present and take questions from the audience. Hot Topics is moderated by Allene Mares.

Next Session

Hot Topics Is Going On Summer Break

Our next Hot Topics session will be in September, 2021. To receive an announcement when we have our next session scheduled, join our mailing list.

We've covered many aspects of the COVID-19 response through Hot Topics in Practice over this past year. Check out the Hot Topics archives to see our past presentations.

Previous Sessions

Below you may browse previous Hot Topics webinar sessions. All are available for viewing in PH LearnLink free of charge.

Health Impact Reviews: A Step Toward Health Equity in All Policies

December 16, 2014

In the December session of Hot Topics in Practice, representatives from the Washington State Board of Health and Governor’s Interagency Council on Health Disparities discuss how they conduct health impact reviews on legislative proposals.

Photograph of a magnifying glass over a legal document.

Ebola Preparedness in Washington State

November 18, 2014

In the November session of Hot Topics in Practice, Scott Lindquist, MD, MPH, discusses Ebola preparedness efforts underway in Washington State.

Public Health’s Response to the Oso Mudslide

October 8, 2014

In the October session of Hot Topics in Practice, Gary Goldbaum, MD, MPH, shares how his health district worked with partner agencies in response to the Oso, Washington mudslide.

Photograph of Oso slide showing a large area of hillside has slid into the river valley.

Mass Fatality Management: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Preparedness and Response

September 23, 2014

In the September session of Hot Topics in Practice, representatives from the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences share how their agency helps respond to mass fatalities.

Photograph of a man's gloved hand with EMTs working in the background.

Assessing a Public Health Workforce Using National Tools and Standards

July 23, 2014

In the July session of Hot Topics, representatives from Montana’s public health system discuss the policy, administrative, and human resource techniques they are employing to strengthen their statewide system.

Making the Case for Foundational Public Health Services

June 24, 2014

In the June session of Hot Topics, Barry Kling, MSPH, explains an initiative in Washington State to secure sustainable public health funding.

Graphic of a house foundation with outlines of a house above it.

Addressing Adverse Childhood Experiences at Local Health Jurisdictions

May 27, 2014

In the May session of Hot Topics, leaders from Washington’s Comprehensive Health Education Foundation explain the statewide plans to coordinate efforts to address adverse childhood experiences.

Putting Health on the Map: Using Data to Build New Partnerships

April 15, 2014

In this one hour Hot Topics webinar, Muriel DeLaVergne-Brown, Public Health Director for Crook County, Oregon, shares how her agency used data to cultivate new partnerships and financing for better walking and biking trails.

Graphic of a "map" with a dot labeled "Health" at the intersection of two "roads."

A Healthy Dose: Strengthening Reach and Impact of Community Strategies

March 25, 2014

In this one-hour Hot Topics webinar, evaluation specialists from Group Health Research Institute explain how to strengthen the reach and impact of community health strategies.

Photograph of a water droplet splashing with an expanding wave around it.

Health Care Reform In the Northwest (Part One)

February 26, 2014

In this one-hour Hot Topics webinar, public health leaders from Oregon discuss the impacts of the Affordable Care Act in their state during part one of a special two-part series exploring health care reform around the region.

Graphic showing a map of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, with Oregon highlighted.

Health Care Reform In the Northwest (Part Two)

January 22, 2014

In this one-hour Hot Topics webinar, public health leaders from Idaho, Washington, and Wyoming discuss the impacts of the Affordable Care Act in their states during part two of a special two-part series exploring health care reform around the region.

Graphic showing a map of Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, with Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming highlighted.

Hookah Lounges Today. Marijuana or E-cigarette Lounges Tomorrow?

December 17, 2013

In this one-hour Hot Topics webinar, representatives from four health jurisdictions in Washington State discuss their experiences developing policies and enforcing laws to promote smoke-free air in public places.

Photograph of a person's face breathing out vapor.

Lessons from the Fertilizer Plant Explosion in West, Texas

November 19, 2013

In this one-hour Hot Topics webinar, Bruce Clements, the Public Health Preparedness Director at the Texas Department of State Health Services, shares the incredible story of community resilience and heroism during the immediate response to a chemical explosion.

Photograph of a boarded up house with an American flag and "God Bless West" painted on it.

Drill of the Dead: Using Zombie Scenarios to Train Community Partners

October 22, 2013

In this one hour webinar, which is part of the Hot Topics series, emergency preparedness leaders from Montana share their unique experience using a zombie-themed exercise to enhance community preparedness.

Photograph of exercise staff with made-up actor superimposed over a "zombie outbreak" sign.

From Data to Desk: Translating Needs Assessments into Targeted Employee Training

September 24, 2013

In this one hour webinar, which is part of the Hot Topics series, three workforce development specialists share their tips for assessing staff training needs and implementing training plans.

Blackboard reading: Workforce training plan: Survey, Analyze, Implement