How Advocacy Supports Public Health
PHACE brings together public health organizations to raise awareness, share information, and support action on issues affecting communities across New Jersey. Advocacy helps strengthen public health, and anyone can participate by learning, speaking up, and sharing information
At its core, advocacy is education. By educating the public and policy makers about public health, we create informed champions who stand with us in advancing our mission. Together, we can more effectively address public health challenges when they emerge.
– Kevin Sumner, PHACE President
Current Advocacy Priorities
Public Health Funding
Workforce Support
Strengthening and sustaining the public health workforce through leadership, training, and long-term investment.
Health Equity
Emergency Preparedness and Response
Supporting efforts that help communities prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Data, Surveillance, and Planning
Understanding Advocacy and Lobbying
Learn the difference between advocacy and lobbying and why that distinction matters in public health work.
Advocacy is broader and includes many ways of supporting public health issues.
Lobbying is one form of advocacy that focuses on influencing specific legislation. For nonprofit organizations, lobbying is subject to certain limits. However, there are no limits on general advocacy that is not specific lobbying.
Use these resources to better understand the difference between advocacy and lobbying and strengthen your public health advocacy efforts.
Current Action Opportunities
Take Action and Stay Involved
There are many ways to support public health and make your voice heard. PHACE encourages individuals and organizations to get involved in practical and meaningful ways.
Ways to get involved:
- Sign proclamations and support public health statements.
- Share PHACE messages, materials, and advocacy resources.
- Download and use PHACE position briefs, one-pagers, and other public health materials.
- Contact decision-makers about issues affecting public health in New Jersey.
- Support public health campaigns, awareness efforts, and advocacy opportunities.
- Stay informed about PHACE priorities and connect with member organizations.
PHACE Advocacy Day in Trenton
Legislative Advocacy Day gives PHACE an opportunity to bring public health voices directly to state leaders. Through meetings, conversations, and shared priorities, PHACE highlights the importance of prevention, workforce support, funding, and policies that help protect the health of communities across New Jersey.
2026 Legislative Advocacy Day Date: October 19, 2026 (Tentative)
Statements, Proclamations, & Briefs
Review PHACE’s key advocacy and position materials.
- Public Health at a Crossroads: Securing New Jersey’s Future Through Legislative Action — White paper on restoring public health funding and strengthening the state’s public health system.
- The State of Public Health in New Jersey: White paper on New Jersey’s public health challenges, funding needs, and system priorities.
- Public Health Funding: Support New Jersey Public Health Bills Advocacy brief on restoring state public health priority funding for local health departments.
- Fund Public Health & Protect Our Communities: One pager on public health funding, workforce capacity, and the return on investment of state support.
- Improving Vaccine Rates in New Jersey: A Public Health Approach Position brief on vaccination policy, access, and education in New Jersey.
- Marijuana and Public Health: Position brief on public health concerns related to marijuana legalization and implementation.
Advocacy with Our Member Organizations
New Jersey Association of City and County Health Officials
New Jersey Association of Public Health Nursing Administrators
New Jersey Environmental Health Association
New Jersey Local Boards of Health Association
New Jersey Public Health Association
