Coming March 2027: the Idaho Health Priorities Conference

August 13, 2026 - 21:23

Boise State University's School of Public and Population Health is joining forces with the Idaho Public Health Association to host a major statewide conference in March 2027. The event, planned for Boise, will bring together public health officials, healthcare providers, community leaders, and policymakers to tackle the most pressing health issues facing Idahoans.

Organizers say the conference will focus on rural healthcare access, mental health services, and the ongoing challenges of substance use disorders. Another key topic will be workforce shortages in nursing and primary care, which have hit rural counties especially hard. The agenda will include panel discussions, workshops, and data-sharing sessions designed to produce actionable recommendations for state and local agencies.

The university's dean of public health noted that the conference is not just for professionals. Community health workers, tribal health representatives, and student researchers will have dedicated tracks. There will also be a poster session for early-career investigators to present new findings on Idaho-specific health trends.

The March 2027 date was chosen to align with the state's legislative session, allowing lawmakers and agency directors to attend and hear directly from constituents. Early registration is expected to open in late 2026, with scholarships planned for attendees from smaller counties. The conference will also offer virtual participation options for those who cannot travel to Boise. More details on speakers and the full schedule are expected to be announced in the coming months.