About CPHFC
The Caucus on Public Health and the Faith Community (CPHFC), was founded in 1996 by Dr. Caswell Evans. The caucus, in official relationship with the American Public Health Association (APHA) assists in promoting public health as a science by:
- Facilitating, modeling, and providing a platform during the annual meetings of the APHA that encourages and enables scientists, researchers, public health practitioners, lay health advocates, faith leaders and faith communities to present scholarly works of research and data analyses, evidenced-based and promising approaches.
- Promoting best practices and capacity building models that enhance readiness of faith leaders and public health workers who partner with faith leaders. This includes education and information, training, advocacy opportunities and resource development.
- Representing the public health interests of faith communities, both within and outside the APHA Structure.
- Facilitating active participation of faith community public health workers in the organizational and programmatic activities of APHA.
- Facilitating opportunities for discussion and research to support the value of faith as an important entity in promoting health equity.
- Promoting faith leaders and faith-based organizations as trusted community partners.
- Providing professional growth for members of the caucus who work with or are interested in working with faith communities.
Your CPHFC Leadership
Meet the dedicated volunteers driving our mission forward.
Eboni E. Haynes, PhD, MBA, MDiv
Chair
Governing Council Rep
Beth K. Schwartz, PhD, RN, PHN, MAT
Vice Chair
Program Co-Chair
Barbara Baylor, MPH
Immediate Past Chair
Treasurer
Caucus Collaborative Rep
Marquis Johns, MBA, MPH
Program Co-Chair
Governing Council Rep
Caucus Collaborative Rep
Tonya Herring, MPH
Membership Chair
Elysa Franklin, MPH
Secretary
Opportunities to Serve
CPHFC is always seeking passionate members to step into leadership positions and support roles that shape the future of faith-health partnerships. Whether you’re interested in serving on a committee, leading program initiatives, contributing to communications, or helping guide our strategic direction, we want to hear from you. Leadership opportunities are open to members at all career stages – from emerging professionals to seasoned experts. Click the button below to complete our interest form to let us know how you’d like to contribute.
Archives Committee
Preserves CPHFC’s institutional history by collecting, organizing, and maintaining records, photographs, and documents that chronicle our legacy of faith-health collaboration.
Awards Committee
Oversees the nomination, selection, and recognition process for the Dr. John W. Hatch “Flame” Award and other honors celebrating excellence in faith-health partnerships.
Bylaws Committee
Reviews and updates CPHFC’s governing documents to ensure policies remain current, relevant, and aligned with organizational goals and APHA requirements.
Fundraising Committee
Develops and implements strategies to secure sponsorships, donations, and grants that sustain CPHFC programming, events, and mission-driven initiatives.
Interfaith Celebration Planning Committee
Plans and coordinates the annual Interfaith Celebration at the APHA Annual Meeting, bringing together diverse faith traditions for reflection, music, and a collective call to action.
Membership Committee
Recruits, engages, and retains members while fostering a welcoming community that connects public health professionals and faith leaders nationwide.
Nominating Committee
Identifies and recommends qualified candidates for CPHFC leadership positions, ensuring a diverse and capable slate of officers and committee chairs.
Program Planning Committee
Develops and coordinates CPHFC’s scientific sessions, panels, roundtables, and educational programming for the APHA Annual Meeting and year-round initiatives.