Speaker Sessions

Public health is exceptionally good at identifying what causes illness, injury, and death. But communities are sustained by more than the prevention of bad outcomes. The Leading Causes of Life framework invites us to pay attention to the forces that generate and sustain life: Connection, Coherence, Agency, Blessing, and Hope. Drawing on community health work with churches, Indigenous communities, people affected by overdose, and public health partners, David Tillman will explore what becomes possible when faith communities are engaged not simply as places to deliver health programs, but as essential partners in defining and cultivating health.

This panel brings Dr. Tillman’s keynote on the Leading Causes of Life into conversation with faith leaders and community practitioners. Panelists will explore how the conditions in which people live, work, worship, and form relationships shape behavioral health—and what role faith communities can play in shaping those conditions. Together they will consider what it could look like when congregations participate in building communities where all people can thrive.