Faculty from the (COPH) recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with federal legislators and discuss priorities related to worker health and safety, highlighting the impact of federally supported occupational health programs.
Drs. , and participated in annual 鈥淗ill visits鈥 alongside students as part of the Association of University Programs in Occupational Health and Safety (AUPOHS) meeting. The visit included discussions with Florida legislators about the importance of supporting National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)-funded education and research centers.
鈥淔aculty travel to D.C. every year to attend the AUPOHS meeting,鈥 Marshall said. 鈥淎dditionally, we join students in meeting with Florida legislators to hear about their priorities and concerns for occupational safety, health and well-being in Florida and to educate them on what our center provides.鈥
The COPH is home to the (SERC), one of 18 NIOSH-funded centers across the country that provide interdisciplinary graduate-level training in occupational safety and health. These centers prepare professionals across multiple disciplines while supporting research, continuing education and outreach initiatives aimed at reducing workplace risks.
Marshall, professor in and director of planning and evaluation of SERC, emphasized that maintaining direct communication with lawmakers is critical to advancing worker health and safety initiatives.
鈥淟egislators make decisions about funding allocations and legislation that impacts occupational safety, health and well-being,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey also have connections to their districts鈥 needs in terms of key industries and occupational health challenges.鈥
During meetings on Capitol Hill, faculty and students discussed issues affecting workers in Florida, including disaster management and recovery, challenges within the hospitality and tourism industry and shortages among health care providers.
Marshall said the conversations help underscore the broader impact of occupational safety and health programs.
鈥淥ccupational safety, health and well-being is important for our economy, employers and employees,鈥 she said. 鈥淚nvesting in occupational safety and health is a win-win for everyone.鈥
In addition to raising awareness about workforce training programs, the group shared how NIOSH-funded centers support applied research and professional development for current and future occupational health professionals.
Dr. Jennifer Marshall and Valeriya Shapoval in front of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's office. (Photo by Marshall)
鈥淭he NIOSH-funded centers support applied, interdisciplinary graduate-level training for occupational safety and health professionals,鈥 Marshall said. 鈥淭he centers also provide specialized continuing education to safety professionals in the field and outreach to employers and the public about a wide range of challenges and solutions.鈥
For Vicente Zuno, an and a biosafety officer, participating in the Hill visits offered a unique opportunity to see how public health policy is shaped firsthand.
鈥淚鈥檝e long understood the importance of engaging with policymakers to support our mission,鈥 Zuno said. 鈥淧articipating in the Hill visits felt like a natural extension of that commitment.鈥
Zuno said the experience allowed him to share his professional perspective while learning how researchers and policymakers work together to address public health challenges.
鈥淟egislators rely on subject matter experts to inform their decisions, just as we rely on them to enact and fund effective programs,鈥 he said. 鈥淪haring data-driven insights and aligning our message with their constituents鈥 interests can go a long way in building meaningful relationships.鈥
The experience also highlighted the importance of clear communication and collaboration in public health advocacy.
鈥淧ublic health professionals must communicate clearly, strategically and persuasively to ensure our message rises above the noise,鈥 Zuno said. 鈥淚f we want to protect and advance public health, our voices must be strong and unified.鈥
For Zuno, the visit also reinforced the role policy plays in shaping health outcomes and inspired him to consider future involvement in public health advocacy.
鈥淭his trip reassured my fascination with the legislative process and the role policy plays in shaping health outcomes,鈥 he said.
Marshall said Hill visits help lawmakers better understand the importance of occupational safety and health infrastructure and the benefits these programs bring to communities across the country.
鈥淭hese conversations raise awareness of opportunities to directly impact the health of constituents and communities,鈥 she said. 鈥淭hey also help educate legislators on how policy decisions affect the economic, environmental and community health of our state.鈥