In today’s complex public health landscape, solutions are rarely just technical - they are shaped by beliefs, assumptions, and experiences we carry with us. Building on the foundations introduced in the Systems Thinking in Action webinar hosted in July 2025, this second session invites public health professionals to step back and take a closer look at mental models - the often unseen ways of thinking that influence how systems are designed, maintained, and changed.
Many public health practitioners use systems thinking in their work, even if they don’t always call it that. This webinar creates space to slow down, reflect, and intentionally explore how mental models shape decision-making, relationships, and outcomes across public health systems. By making these models visible, participants can identify powerful leverage points for meaningful and sustainable change.
This session is designed to be both reflective and practical. Participants will develop a shared understanding of what mental models are, how they are formed, and why recognizing them is essential to systems change. Through a combination of didactic content and a moderated panel discussion, attendees will hear real-world examples from experienced public health professionals working in a variety of roles. Panelists will share how surfacing and shifting mental models has influenced their work, both the challenges and the successes.
Ideal for
This session is designed for public health professionals at all levels. Some examples include:
- Practitioners navigating complex public health challenges.
- Program managers and team leads seeking more collaborative, sustainable approaches.
- Newer professionals looking to explore how mental models relate to systems change.
Cost
FREE.
What to Expect
This 90-minute live webinar will include:
- A brief introduction to mental models and their relevance to systems thinking.
- A moderated panel discussion with experienced public health practitioners.
- Opportunity for participant questions.
1 Live Webinar
Thursday, June 18, 2026.
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM MT (1:00 - 2:30 PM ET).
Event Access
After successfully registering, you will receive a confirmation email with an invite that can be manually added to your calendar, as well as the link to join the Zoom webinar.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the webinar, attendees will be able to:
- Define mental models.
- Describe what shapes and influences mental models.
- Explain the importance of understanding mental models for systems change.
Length of Learning Opportunity
1.5 hours.
Primary Competency
Systems Thinking Skills.
Development Partner
This work is supported by funds made available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), National Center for STLT Public Health Infrastructure and Workforce, through OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
We strive to host inclusive and accessible events that enable all individuals to engage fully. Please let us know of any accommodations that will assist your full participation.
Please choose a session below.
You will be contacted within 2 business days with additional information.
