Network Report Thursday, May 20, 2021 
Housing instability is a public health crisis that causes and exacerbates health problems, erodes communities, and drives health inequities. These resources examine state- and local-level legal and policy approaches towards reducing tenant displacement and eviction, and supports to prevent housing instability and homelessness. Read more.
COVID-19 Orders Respect Civil Liberties and Do Not Intrude on Personal Freedoms Requiring mask-wearing and maintaining social distancing are no more intrusive than restrictions citizens already experience, including use of seatbelts, motorcycle helmets, and DUI laws. Just as significant, these orders are designed to protect others from harm.
Rethinking and Reducing the Role of Law Enforcement in Suicide Prevention Efforts It’s essential to rethink suicide prevention that involves the use of police, and to forge a new path forward that does not result in additional trauma or even death of the very persons whose life—and quality of life—suicide prevention advocates are seeking to protect. 
COVID-19 Vaccination: State Minor Consent Requirements Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine has been authorized for emergency use in minors between the ages of 16 and 18, and more recently, for minors between ages 12 and 15. As a result, minors across the country have been getting vaccinated, and accompanying questions have arisen regarding minor consent. This fact sheet provides a review of select state requirements, and additional information as available from certain state or local health departments.
How Can State and Local Health Departments Combat Antibiotic Resistant Superbugs? Antibiotic resistance has been described by the CDC as “one of the greatest public health challenges of our time.” Yearly in the U.S., there are more than 2.8 million antibiotic resistant infections resulting in greater than 35,000 deaths. This issue brief provides resources and options for state and local public health departments looking to address antibiotic resistance in their communities.
Laws Limiting the Prescribing or Dispensing of Opioids Most overdose deaths are caused by opioids, including prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and non-prescribed drugs such as heroin and fentanyl. One way states have attempted to regulate the use of opioid medications is by passing statutes or enacting regulations that impose enforceable limitations on the ability of medical professionals to prescribe or dispense those medications for pain treatment. This survey summarizes the characteristics of opioid prescription laws in 50 states and the District of Columbia. 
Equitable Rebuilding from COVID-19: Strengthening Protections for Families 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST | May 27, 2021 Families have experienced added pressures as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, most significantly with regard to food security and education. Attend this webinar to learn about recent government actions on the use of SNAP benefits to address food insecurity; along with actions that federal, state and local governments can take to devise and implement trauma-informed, equity-centered education strategies and improved broadband access to address the increased and aggravated disparities caused by the pandemic.
Equitable Rebuilding from COVID-19: Strengthening Protections for Communities 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. EST | June 22, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic has created profound challenges to public health’s efforts to protect communities. From ensuring the safety of voters to making difficult decisions under extreme conditions, public health professionals have had to address unprecedented and complicated issues in the process of exercising their authority. Join us for a discussion of how we can strengthen our public health emergency response and address the inequities that the pandemic has further exacerbated. 
Keynote Speaker Announced for 2021 Public Health Law Conference September 21 - 23, 2021 | Baltimore, MD The Network is pleased to announce Dr. Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Dean and Professor at the Charles R. Drew University College of Medicine, as keynote speaker for the 2021 Public Health Law Conference. Dr. Prothrow-Stith broke new ground with efforts to define youth violence as a public health issue, and more recently has focused on how the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected African Americans.
Job Opportunities The Network is seeking a Senior Attorney to work with our Mid-States Region Office, located at the University of Michigan School of Public Health, in Ann Arbor, Michigan (we will consider applicants who are willing and able to work remotely). The Senior Attorney will focus on legal issues regarding the collection, sharing, and protection of data for public health purposes, including addressing determinants of health and promoting racial and health equity. For best consideration, apply by June 4, 2021. Apply today.
The Network is seeking a Program Associate to provide program and communications support for our National Office. This position is responsible for tracking and reporting on Network services and products, assisting on webinars, posting website content, compiling e-newsletters, as well as meetings and events coordination. For best consideration, apply by May 28. 2021. Apply today.
Worth Sharing Call for Proposals: All In National Meeting 2021 All In: Data for Community Health is accepting proposals for the 2021 Virtual All In National Meeting, November 8-10. Proposals should describe work within a multi-sector collaboration project or initiative focused on promoting health, well-being, and equity and fit under one of these themes: 1) Unpacking the role of data sharing to address racial justice and health equity; 2) Community leadership for sharing, using, and owning data; and 3) Elevating policies and systems levers that facilitate data sharing, avoid unintended consequences, and protect data to drive health equity. The deadline to submit proposals is June 11.
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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.
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