Region 7 CDC Center Newsletter

In This Issue

Region 7 CDC Center Quarterly Progress

Recent Events

Partner Spotlight

R7 CDC Center Leadership

Region 7 CDC Center Quarterly Progress

Report Overview

During the reporting period (January 1- March 31, 2026), the Region 7 PHPR Center advanced implementation of its Community Disaster Response Network (CDRN) and initiated development of a regional Concept of Operations (CONOPs). The Center strengthened strategic alignment through Steering Committee engagement and expanded capacity by onboarding three new staff members. Collaboration with regional and national partners continued through regular coordination and CDC engagements.

Planning for the upcoming fiscal year focused on Year 3 workplan updates, including workforce capacity expansion and a post‑disaster response framework that builds on Year 2 efforts and leverages the CDRN.

Project Activities Conducted

1.  By 60 days post award, ensure continued commitment to Steering Committee membership.
2. By 150 days post award, establish and maintain a regional PHPR center (Year 1, to be maintained in years 2-5)
3. By 365 days post-award, begin to develop, implement, and evaluate activities to meet at least one objective in the Five-Year Regional Work Plan, FY 2024 – 2029. The Five-Year Regional Work Plan will include focus areas, partners, roles, and resources needed to accomplish the plan’s objectives.

Recent Events

Region 7 CDC PHPR Center Participates in NACCHO Preparedness Summit

From April 12 through April 16, Dr. Lauren Sauer, Charity Menefee, Sophie Shea, and Katie Stern represented the Region 7 CDC PHPR Center at the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Preparedness Summit, held in Baltimore, MD. On April 12, the group attended the CDC PHPR Center Pre-Conference Workshop to collaborate with regional partners and hear updates on each Center’s work. Charity Menefee presented a Quick Hit

Partner Spotlight

University of Iowa

College of Public Health

The University of Iowa College of Public Health is dedicated to improving population health through education, research, and policy, with a focus on prevention and advancing health for entire populations. Within the College, the Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy (IPHPRP) was established in 2023 through the merger of several public health entities to strengthen collaboration across practice, research, and policy and to enhance support for public health systems. The Institute includes a Public Health Practice and Workforce Development Core, which builds workforce capacity through competency-based training, technical assistance, and partnerships with local, state, and regional public health organizations and the Midwestern Public Health Training Center (one of the 10 regional centers funded by HRSA).

Dr. Sato Ashida is a professor in the College of Public Health whose research examines social networks, aging, and health-related behaviors. Her work focuses on understanding how social relationships influence health and on developing interventions to promote healthy aging. She is the director of the Workforce Development Core and co-director of the Midwestern Public Health Training Center.

Bonnie Butler, Education Manager of the Workforce Development Core, has extensive background in local public health and contributes to workforce development efforts by coordinating training programs and supporting partnerships that enhance public health practice across the Midwest.

Kaylie Springer is a recent MPH graduate from the Department of Community and Behavioral Health and is currently developing a resource library of emergency management training and resources specifically for organizations that serve older adult and rural populations. 

R7 CDC Center Leadership

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