National public health leader Dr. Laura Magaña envisions public health approach to longevity
This year, the annual Dalen Lecture was presented by Dr. Laura Magaña, President and CEO of the National Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH). Her presentation, 'Toward Healthy Longevity: Crafting a Strategic Public Health Framework,' articulated a vision for healthy aging that shifts the narrative from lifespan to 'healthspan.'
In May 2025, the annual Dalen Lecture was presented by Dr. Laura Magaña, President and CEO of the national Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH), and her presentation Toward Healthy Longevity: Crafting a Strategic Public Health Framework articulated a vision for healthy aging that shifts the narrative from lifespan to “healthspan.”
Dr. Magaña’s presentation explored how public health systems can proactively shape policies, environments, and community-level strategies to promote health and well-being across the lifespan. She emphasized the importance of a population health approach in addressing the social, economic, and environmental determinants that influence aging outcomes. As the United States and many other nations experience aging populations, Dr. Magaña outlined a strategic framework for fostering healthy longevity by integrating equity, prevention, and innovation, shifting the narrative from lifespan to healthspan!
A national and world leader in public health, we were honored to have Dr. Magaña come to Tucson to give the annual Dalen Lecture. While in town, she met with students and faculty in the college, and inspired us all with her knowledge and passion for public health!
About the Dalen Lecture series
Launched in 2008, the James E. Dalen, MD, MPH, Distinguished Lecture for Health Policy was established to honor Dr. Dalen’s countless lifelong contributions to the advancement of The University of Arizona and his key role in establishing the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health.
A renowned cardiologist, visionary leader, and dedicated advocate for public health, Dr. Dalen passed away in 2024. He retired from the University of Arizona in 2001 after serving as Dean of the College of Medicine for thirteen years and as Vice President for Health Sciences for seven years. During his tenure, he was instrumental in establishing the Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and the Arizona Telemedicine Program.
The annual lecture in Dr. Dalen’s name is designed to raise awareness of public health issues and introduce our audience to emerging ideas from leading experts. These distinguished scholars offer lectures and discussions to our campus community and to the public on local, state, national and international health policy issues, and connect the academic world with the “real world” of public health.
