ALEXANDRIA, VA – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is excited to announce the release of its new strategic plan for 2026-2030.
SOPHE is dedicated to promoting and advancing the expertise of health educators and the impact of health education. As a membership organization, SOPHE works with its members and partners to improve the health and well-being of all people through the skills and capacities of health education and health promotion. The revised strategic plan for 2026-2030 reflects its vision, mission and core values.
“We feel strongly that our new strategic plan will advance our work in the current public health landscape,” SOPHE CEO Dr. William Datema said. “The four goals and related tactics directly tie in to our mission and vision. They will drive our work for the rest of this decade.”
The four main goals in this new strategic plan are:
- Goal 1: Strengthen Health Education & Promotion Capacity
- Ensure a dynamic, prepared, and supported workforce that advances health equity.
- Goal 2: Advance Health Education & Promotion Pedagogy, Practice,
and Research- Lead the field in reimagining education and scholarship for greater impact.
- Goal 3: Promote and Advocate Health-Enhancing Systems and Policies for All People
- Be a national voice advancing the profession and health equity.
- Goal 4: Cultivate Operational Excellence
- Ensure SOPHE is a sustainable, innovative, and future-ready organization.
These four goals directly support SOPHE’s new mission of “Advancing health education and promotion capacity to build healthy and thriving communities” and values that include Responsive, Quality, Integrity, Collaboration, Inclusion and Equity, and Respect.
“I want to thank our strategic planning committee who gave us their time and dedication on developing a clear roadmap for SOPHE’s future,” said SOPHE Deputy CEO Maricela Arias-Cantu. “And, thank you to the many members, volunteers, and key partners we interviewed. The plan is innovative and future-focused, which will help us make a positive impact in the communities we serve.”
As the field of public health education stands at a critical crossroads, SOPHE remains steadfast, and energized, in our purpose. The landscape around us is shifting rapidly. The workforce is evolving, student pathways are changing, and the role of public health itself is being redefined in real time. This new plan is designed to meet those challenges and ensure that SOPHE’s contributions continue to be strong and thriving.
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About SOPHE
The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education, and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. SOPHE members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state, and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.
