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Conference for Health Equity and Public Good

Beyond Surviving to Thriving

This free virtual event brings together voices from across Washington state and beyond to engage in dialogue, deepen understanding, and drive action toward a more just health care system and society for all. 

We invite community leaders, educators, learners, community members, and clinicians to join us at our seventh-annual conference. The event will include two days of coalition-building, nationally recognized plenary speakers, and community-rooted breakout sessions.  

February 4–5, 2026
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. PST
Free

Register for the Conference 

Open to all, this conference is free and virtual to reduce barriers to participation. 

The Washington State University (WSU) Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.  

The WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 12.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Participants should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity. 

Washington State University College of Nursing is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by Montana Nurses Association, an accredited approver with distinction by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation. This activity is eligible for 12.0 contact hours.

Support the Conference 

We appreciate any contributions to support this free and virtual conference focused on finding solutions to improve optimal health for our communities.  

Requesting Accommodations 

We recognize that some attendees may require accommodations to participate effectively. To request a reasonable accommodation, please contact medicine.healthequity@wsu.edu

Conference Schedule

All times are PST.

Day 1: February 4, 2026

  • 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremony 
  • 10:30 a.m. – Noon Plenary 1: Edmundo M. Aguilar, PhD 
  • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Thread Sessions 
    • Research 
      • Eka Burduli, PhD 
      • Michael Heim 
    • Community 
      • Claudine Richardson, PhD 
      • Tara Kelly, PhD 
    • Pedagogy 
      • Dave McIntosh, PhD, MA 
      • James Layman 
  • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Plenary 2: Aisha Fukushima 

Day 2: February 5, 2026 

  • 10:00 a.m. – Noon Plenary 3: Jonathan Metzl, MD, PhD 
  • 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Thread Sessions 
    • Research 
      • Juliana Krystina Garcia, PhD 
      • Denise A. Dillard, PhD, and IREACH team
    • Community 
      • Michael Bethely 
      • Luis Manriquez, MD, and HERO team 
    • Pedagogy 
      • Robert William Danielson, PhD 
  • 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Plenary 4: Erin Jones