In its sixth year, Chicago’s Public Health Boot Camp will provide 12 future HIV public health leaders with core public health concepts for impacting HIV prevention and care activities through a week of training, presentations and collaborative opportunities from July 12-16.

Presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and DePaul University’s Master of Public Health program, the Public Health Boot Camp aims to provide a robust foundation of knowledge and skills around public health principles and policy, epidemiology, social and behavioral science theories and financial management.

“We’re committed to supporting the next generation of public health leaders in Chicago through this affordable educational opportunity,” said John Peller, president/CEO of AFC and an alumnus of the program. “These participants are getting a forward-thinking, HIV-focused mini-MPH that they can use right away in the field.”

Participants in this year’s Public Health Boot Camp include John Brady from South Suburban HIV/AIDS Regional Clinics; Abigail Parks Dunlap from Center on Halsted; Erik Glenn from Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus; Patricia Johnson from Lawndale Christian Community Health Center; Carlos Orengo and Gilberto Soberanis from Howard Brown Health Center; Tabitha Pederson from Alexian Brothers Bonaventure House; Greg Sanchez; Nikki Zaleski from Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health; and Adam Conway, Kimberly Vaughn and William Minshall from AFC.

This year’s array of presenters includes two alumnus, who will explore communications and legal issues related to HIV and public health. Johnathon Briggs, Vice President of Public Communications Inc. and a former AFC staff member, will present a seminar titled “Social Marketing and the Diffusion of Innovations.” Scott Schoettes, Senior Attorney and HIV Project National Director at Lambda Legal’s Midwest regional office, will lead a session on efforts to protect the legal rights of people living with HIV.

In addition to a full schedule of lectures, panel-led discussions and networking opportunities, the program culminates in individual presentations from each fellow that are supported by one-on-one consultations with public health leaders.

For more information about the Public Health Boot Camp, visit aidschicago.org/PHBC.