Public health leaders convene at Eastern for National Public Health Week panel

'Public Health in Action: Confronting Wicked Problems in a Changing World'

Willimantic, CT (04/02/2026) — In recognition of National Public Health Week, Eastern Connecticut State University's Public Health Program will host a panel discussion on April 8 from 12-1:30 p.m. in the Student Center Theatre, bringing together leaders from government, healthcare, and community organizations to discuss today's most pressing public health challenges.

Featured panelists include Connecticut State Senator Saud Anwar; Dr. Lynn Sosa, director of infectious diseases and state epidemiologist at the Connecticut Department of Public Health; and Emma Pietrantonio King, executive director of Access Community Action Agency.

The panel will address critical issues such as infectious disease, health inequities, and access to care, with a focus on how cross-sector collaboration is essential to improving population health and advancing equity.

"Public health sits at the center of the biggest challenges facing our world today," said Sarah Walters, professor of public health and event organizer. "In today's rapidly changing world, protecting population health requires multidisciplinary solutions that bring together science, policy, healthcare, and community action. This event showcases the real, on-the-groundwork of local professionals and encourages students to see public health as a meaningful and impactful career path."

Following the panel, attendees are invited to a Public Health Student Research Showcase and networking session from 1:30-3 p.m. in the Student Center Cafe. The event will feature student research addressing real-world health challenges and provide opportunities to connect with public health alumni, explore internships, and learn about career pathways in the field. Refreshments will be provided.

Panelist Bios

Saud Anwar represents the 3rd State Senate District, which includes East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, and South Windsor. A physician specializing in pulmonary and critical care medicine, as well as occupational and environmental health, Anwar serves as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Manchester Memorial and Rockville General Hospitals. He is also active in humanitarian and peace initiatives, organizing medical missions for disaster relief at the local, national, and global levels

Lynn Sosa is the director of infectious diseases and state epidemiologist at the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Prior to her current role, she served as an Epidemic Intelligence Service officer at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. She later joined the Connecticut DPH as medical director for sexually transmitted disease and tuberculosis programs and played a key role in overseeing epidemiology and data efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emma Pietrantonio King became executive director of Access Community Action Agency in Willimantic in July 2025, after serving as the organization's chief program officer. She previously worked as deputy district director for U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2). King holds a Master of Social Work from Wheelock College and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Providence College.

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