NHPHA Annual Meeting to Examine $200M Rural Health Transformation and What It Means for New Hampshire

Concord, NH — Donnalee Lozeau, Director of the Governor’s Office of New Opportunities & Rural Transformational Health (GO-NORTH), will be the keynote speaker at the New Hampshire Public Health Association’s 2026 Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 23, from 5:00–8:00 PM at the McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in Concord. Lozeau will outline the Rural Health Transformation Program, a major federal initiative aimed at strengthening workforce development, expanding infrastructure, improving access to care, and advancing innovation in rural communities across New Hampshire.

This year’s theme, “Granite Strong. Future Ready.”, reflects a pivotal moment for public health in New Hampshire, as new federal investments begin to reshape rural health systems and expand opportunities to improve access, strengthen the workforce, and support community health across the state.

According to Tory Jennison PhD, RN, NHPHA executive director, “At a time when public health systems face both new opportunities and ongoing challenges—including workforce shortages, rising health care costs, gaps in access, and the need to rebuild trust—this gathering offers a forum to reflect, connect, and move forward together.”

The event will bring together public health professionals, students, policymakers, and community leaders to engage in a timely conversation about the future of health in New Hampshire and the role of collaboration in addressing emerging challenges.

The Annual Meeting will also feature student poster presentations highlighting emerging public health research and programs, opportunities for networking and connection among professionals across the state, recognition of leaders advancing health equity and community well-being, and an interactive session focused on rural health transformation.

Registration details and additional information are available at www.nhpha.org/annual-meeting

About the New Hampshire Public Health Association
The New Hampshire Public Health Association (NHPHA) is a statewide organization dedicated to improving public health through advocacy, education, and collaboration. NHPHA works to advance policies and practices that promote health equity and strengthen communities across New Hampshire.