Bridges 2 Access 2026 Conference to Spotlight Health & Medical Literacy, Featuring Hudson College Faculty as Keynote

The Hudson College of Public Health is proud to share that faculty member Dr. Daniel Sledge, from the Department of Health Administration and Policy, will serve as the keynote speaker for Bridges 2 Access 2026: Health & Medical Literacy, a free, student-led conference taking place February 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Nicholson Tower.

Bridges to Access is an annual conference designed for health students across Oklahoma and beyond, dedicated to fostering meaningful conversation and identifying real-world solutions to some of healthcare’s most pressing challenges. This year’s theme—Health & Medical Literacy—focuses on improving how healthcare information is communicated, understood, and applied by patients and communities.

Healthcare systems are often complex and difficult to navigate. Patients are frequently expected to understand medical terminology, manage fragmented care, and make critical decisions with limited support. Improving health and medical literacy is a key step toward making care more accessible, effective, and equitable for all.

The 2026 conference will highlight practical, patient-centered strategies that help reduce barriers, build trust, and empower individuals to take an active role in their health. Sessions will emphasize clear communication, community partnerships, and actionable tools that future healthcare professionals can apply immediately in their work.

The conference will feature Dr. Daniel Sledge as the keynote speaker. Dr. Sledge is President of the Oklahoma Public Health Association (OPHA) and Co-Director of the Center for Health Outcomes, Research, and Policy at the University of Oklahoma. His leadership and scholarship align closely with the conference’s mission to bridge gaps between knowledge, policy, and access to care.

Conference highlights include:

• Morning sessions: Panel discussions exploring the impact of social media misinformation on patient understanding and health decision-making

• Lunch: Complimentary lunch provided, along with resources and information from local community organizations

• Afternoon sessions: An interactive Medical Spanish workshop focused on improving communication with Spanish-speaking patients

By bringing together students, educators, advocates, and community members, Bridges 2 Access 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between knowledge and access—equipping attendees with skills that support clearer communication and better health outcomes.

The conference is free and open to the public. Students, professionals, and community members are encouraged to attend and share the opportunity with friends, family, and anyone interested in improving healthcare access and understanding.

Register here.

We look forward to seeing you at Bridges 2 Access 2026.