Academic Public Health Caucus (Est. 1994) grew out of the special interests of individuals employed in schools of public health, teaching public health or concerned with core competencies and curriculum development for public health preparation.
American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Caucus (Est. 1981) promotes equal opportunity and access for indigenous North American peoples to health care, provides a supportive entry into APHA and disseminates information about major native health issues and programs. The AIANNH Caucus also works with APHA to promote policy beneficial to Native health needs to assure quality care and equal access.
Asian Pacific Islander Caucus(Est. 1974) represents the unique health issues and needs of the multi-lingual, multi-ethnic Asian Pacific populations, both within the United States and in U.S. territories in the Pacific Basin. The Caucus has also been instrumental in advocating for the adoption of established complementary and alternative medical practices empirically and scientifically proven in Asia, such as acupuncture. Since its creation in 1974, the Caucus has seen major growth in respect for and adoption of Chinese medical practices by North American allopathic physicians.
Black Caucus of Health Workers (Est. 1968) provides an entry point for black and African-American public health workers, both professional and paraprofessional, to APHA. The Caucus provides programs that explore the special nature of public health problems facing people of color in the United States, including poverty, discrimination, and lack of medical and health care access; equal opportunity for work force entry and advancement; and related issues.
Caucus on Homelessness (Est. 1990) is designed to provide a forum for professionals working on homelessness and health issues. The Caucus develops program content exploring various aspects of homelessness, from its causes to health care needs and the impact on families.
Caucus on Public Health and the Faith Community (Est. 1996) represents the growing recognition that health issues are not the exclusive domain of the work force or community-at-large. Significant interventions and major health promotion programs can be found in the nation’s churches, synagogues and mosques. Faith-based services reach individuals that might not otherwise receive services. There is an increase in the number of churches identifying parish nurses to help meet the needs of elderly and recovering congregations. The Caucus develops programs that inform and explore the growing health care and education movement among the nation’s faith traditions.
Caucus on Refugee and Immigrant Health (Est. 1995) was established to increase focus on the health and social needs of refugee and immigrant populations coming into the United States. Special attention is paid to the needs of those populations resettled from war-disrupted, politically disenfranchised or religiously compromised nations, as well as individuals from environmental disaster areas (e.g., drought). Community health services can be overwhelmed with an influx of refugees, in need of translators and unfamiliar with traditional health care practices that may be misunderstood by Western practitioners. The Caucus develops programs exploring issues and identifies innovative solutions in various communities. The Caucus also works with APHA to develop policy regarding the needs of refugee and immigrant peoples.
Community-Based Public Health Caucus(Est. 2001) is guided by the belief that Community lies at the heart of public health, and that interventions work best when they are rooted in the values, knowledge, expertise, and interests of the community itself. We believe that health encompasses the physical, mental, spiritual, environmental and economic well-being of a community and its members. We recognize the power of equal partnerships including community-based organizations, academic institutions, and health agencies, addressing health issues of the community. We understand that in order for these partnerships to be equal and for interventions to be community-based, community members must participate fully in the identifications of health issues and the selection, design, implementation and evaluation of programs that address them. It is this vision which we express in the term "Community-Based Public Health," and we have formed this caucus to advance the vision by pursuing the goals and engaging in the activities outlined on this site.
Health Equity and Public Health Hospital Caucus (Est. 1981) was established to focus attention on the need for public hospitals and the importance of maintaining this community resource for health care for the underinsured, uninsured and indigent.
Labor Caucus (Est. 1998) addresses the health care needs of individuals in the labor force, examines labor health needs and movements, and develops programs that focus on prevention of injury and disease, protection of the workers and safe working environments.
Latino Caucus(Est. 1973) represents the unique perspectives and special public health problems common to Spanish-speaking individuals in the United States. The Caucus provides an entry-point for young bilingual professionals. It also provides programs that explore the special issues of migrant workers, illegal immigrants, legal immigrants and those individuals who lack access to Western medical systems and rely on traditional indigenous systems of care. The Caucus has also worked closely with Sections to explore issues of environmental hazards to the labor force and sweat shops that pose serious threats to maternal and child health.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Caucus of Public Health Workers(Est. 1975) is a forum for public health workers interested in gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues. The Caucus is designed to provide a focus on the special issues of the LGBT public health work force and to provide current and accurate information on the unique health needs of LGBT people. The Caucus is an advocate for equal justice and rights for all individuals, regardless of their ethnicity, race, creed, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, and is committed to combating discriminatory practices in health organizations and systems. It provides a forum that supports educational interchange among LGBT public health members and their allies.
Peace Caucus (Est. 1986) provides a focal point for individuals committed to social justice and creation of peace worldwide. The Caucus develops programs on the health effects of wars that illustrate the need for peaceful environments so that populations and their economies can recover and develop.
Socialist Caucus (Est. 1976) focuses on issues of importance to labor and social equity as they affect the health of workers.
Spirit of 1848 (Est. 1997) was recognized as a Caucus in official relations with APHA, July 1997. Its primary focus is the issue of social inequalities.
Vietnam Caucus (Est. 1990) was established to focus on the continued health effects of the Vietnam war and its impact on veterans and their families. The Caucus also works with APHA to help shape public policy in support of research and health care for Vietnam veterans.
Women’s Caucus (Est. 1970) represents the health care needs for, interests of and demands for expanded women’s health research, intervention and treatment services, and reproductive rights. The Caucus develops programs exploring the range of women’s health issues, needs and emerging issues. The Caucus also works closely with APHA, the Committee on Women’s Rights (See Chapter 4), other Caucuses and various Sections to develop public health policy on behalf of women everywhere.