Network Report

Thursday, March 7, 2024

The Network is thrilled to announce the appointment of Quang (“Q") Dang as Managing Director, Legal Programs and Strategy. As part of the Network’s leadership team, Dang will oversee and coordinate the work of project and regional teams in advancing law and policy solutions through provision of direct legal technical assistance and capacity building to stakeholders working to create healthier, more equitable communities. He will also build and strengthen key partnerships, and identify opportunities and gaps to bolster the Network’s collaborative efforts and initiatives in public health.

Law & Policy Insights

Some Courts are Finding that a Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis Entitles Individuals to Legal Protections Under the ADA

Anti-LGBTQ legislation across the country is at an all-time high. These laws and the prejudice they reflect have negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of gender diverse people. Recently, plaintiffs have successfully challenged some anti-transgender laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act. A recent case serves as an example of this novel approach and its potential to have a wide-sweeping impact on rights for people who are transgender, people who are disabled, and those who share both identities.

Resources

Trends in Legal Challenges to Anti-Transgender Youth Sports Bans

Since 2020, states across the country have introduced and passed bills that prohibit or significantly limit participation by students who are transgender. At least eight of these bills have been challenged in state or federal courts on constitutional grounds. This fact sheet provides an overview of key trends in legal challenges to states’ restriction of transgender students’ participation in sports.

Common Themes and Creative Solutions to Protect the Privacy of Reproductive Health Data

At least 11 states and the District of Columbia that have now passed laws that seek to keep health data relating to abortion out of the hands of those that would seek to use them against patients and their providers merely for seeking, receiving, or providing reproductive health care. This fact sheet explores common themes and creative solutions in laws aimed at protecting the privacy of reproductive health records.

Webinars

Harm Reduction Laws in the United States – 2024 Updates

March 14, 2024 | 1 – 2:30 p.m. ET

In the U.S., there is considerable variation in the presence and specifics of laws regarding drug paraphernalia, naloxone access, and protections for people who call for help in an overdose, and these laws have changed over time. Attend this webinar to better understand how the legal landscape in state laws may impact access to harm reduction services and supplies, and emergency medical assistance in an overdose.

Public Health and the Climate Crisis: Legal Strategies and Local Solutions to Equitably Mitigate the Health Impacts of Climate Change

March 28, 2024 | 3:00-4:30 ET

While climate change requires mitigation efforts on a global scale, local mitigation and solutions for climate adaptation are equally critical to reduce the negative health outcomes and address the health threats posed by climate change. Attend this webinar to learn how climate change can be integrated into a health department’s core mission and work; and law and policy strategies to mitigate the adverse and inequitable health impacts.

Worth Sharing

Legal Professionals Workshops 

The Data Integration Support Center and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy is offering a series of no-cost Legal Professionals workshops to improve cross-sector data integration and navigate legal challenges. While this series will primarily center on legal professionals, non-lawyers who support agencies in data sharing and use (including analysts, technologists, and policymakers) can also benefit from this series. Sessions are happening now through July 2024.

Job Opportunities

Deputy Director, Mid-States Region (Remote)

The Network is seeking a Deputy Director for its Mid-States Region. This position will assist the Mid-States Region Director in supporting operations, providing leadership and management for a portfolio of projects, and participating in the Network for Public Health Law and Mid-States Region’s sustainability efforts. The Deputy Director will also provide technical assistance on specific issues of public health law, conduct training, develop tools and educational materials, and facilitate opportunities for networking and peer-assistance.

Senior Staff Attorney, Mid-States Region (Remote)

The Network is seeking a public health Senior Attorney to work with its Mid-States Region. This position will assist the Network’s Mid-States Region to provide legal technical assistance, conduct training, develop tools and educational materials, and facilitate opportunities for networking and peer assistance on a wide variety of public health law topics. A preference may be given to attorneys who have a working knowledge of legal issues regarding collection and sharing of public health data.

Finance Manager (Hybrid – Edina, MN)

The Network is seeking a Finance and Contracts Manager who will be responsible for financial tracking, reporting, and compliance; budget development and forecasting; monitoring contracts and contract terms and deliverables; and processing and tracking invoices. This position reports to the Deputy Managing Director.

Law Clerk, Harm Reduction Legal Project (Remote)

The Network is seeking a law clerk to join our Harm Reduction Legal Project. This position will focus on our work addressing legal and policy barriers that impede the establishment and expansion of evidence-based harm reduction measures such as naloxone distribution, syringe access programs, and access to evidence-based substance use disorder treatment.

Law Clerk, Health Equity (Remote)

The Network is seeking a law clerk to focus on legal issues regarding social determinants of health and health equity, with a focus on racial health equity. The Law Clerk will conduct in-depth research, assist with responding to legal technical assistance requests, and collaborate with the Health Equity attorneys to prepare written products and training materials.

Western Region Director (Remote)

The Network is seeking a Region Director to provide strategic and organizational leadership for the Network’s Western Region team. This role is responsible for overseeing the Region’s strategic and sustainability planning, day-to-day operations, legal technical assistance, outreach efforts, and product development activities. The Western Region Director undertakes these activities in close collaboration with the Executive team, and other Network teams. The Western Region Director reports to the Network Executive Director and supervises two or more attorneys, and one project coordinator. This position is fully remote.

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Thank you!

Your interest in the work of the Network is important. Together, we can advance law as a tool to improve public health. Please forward the Network Report and encourage others to join the Network!

The Network for Public Health Law provides information and technical assistance on issues related to public health. The legal information and assistance provided in this document does not constitute legal advice or legal representation. For legal advice, readers should consult a lawyer in their state.

Our Contact Information

Network for Public Health Law

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Suite 270

Edina, MN 55435

952-452-9706

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