13th Annual Culture of Health Conference

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About the 13th Annual Culture of Health Conference

Planning is underway for the 13th Annual Culture of Health Conference, taking place on October 28, 2026 at The Heldrich in New Brunswick. Watch for details and speaker announcements in the coming weeks.

The Culture of Health Conference is one of New Jersey’s largest annual convenings of state and local public health leaders, practitioners, and changemakers. At the heart of the conference lies our calling toward achieving health equity, the principle that all community members should be provided a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health, while ensuring that systemic barriers and disparities are addressed. Our shared aim for New Jersey is to create a vibrant place where all people and communities thrive, and where a person’s zip code no longer predicts their ability to live a healthy life.

This year’s theme is “Uniting Through Connection, Advancing Through Partnership.” It emphasizes the need for social connectedness and inclusion in shaping the evolution of public and community health. Our theme incorporates the YMCA vision for the future, in which all people are empowered and have access to the necessary supports to reach their full potential. Conference topics will be explored in the context of the Seven Vital Conditions for Well-Being popularized by the Rippel Foundation. This framework helps to conceptualize the factors that affect our health and play a critical role in building thriving communities. Breakout sessions will be designed to promote intentional connection and engagement with the vital conditions, with practical takeaways to advance local impact within attendees’ respective communities and spheres of influence. The Seven Vital Conditions of Well-Being are: