NBPHE Book Club July 2026

The NBPHE Book Club brings together certified public health and disease intervention professionals to explore timely topics through engaging books and thoughtful discussion. It’s an opportunity to learn from colleagues across the field, gain new perspectives, expand your professional knowledge, and earn recertification credits, all while connecting with a community committed to improving public health. This month’s featured book offers a powerful look at a topic that continues to shape public health around the world.

What We’re Reading

Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling, by Jason De León.

Migration, border policy, health equity, ethics, community trust, and the social forces that shape population health all intersect in Soldiers and Kings: Survival and Hope in the World of Human Smuggling. Through an in-depth look at the realities of human smuggling and migration across Latin America, the book challenges readers to consider the complex political, economic, and humanitarian factors that influence health and well-being. Rather than offering simple solutions, it encourages thoughtful discussion and critical reflection making it an excellent choice for public health professionals looking to deepen their understanding of the systems and policies that impact communities around the world.

Book Discussion Begins

One of the best parts of the NBPHE Book Club is the conversation. Public health professionals come from many backgrounds and specialties, and each discussion brings new ideas and perspectives. Even when we see an issue differently, we share a common goal: improving the health and well-being of our communities.

We’ll begin discussing Soldiers and Kings on July 14th, and now all NBPHE certificants – active CPH and CDI alike – can earn up to 5 recertification credits each year by participating in reading and discussing the chosen books.

Book Club Expanded

The transition from the CPH Book Club to the NBPHE Book Club is about more than a name change. It’s about bringing together professionals from across public health to learn from one another.

A disease intervention specialist may read a chapter differently than an epidemiologist, health educator, or environmental health professional. Each brings a unique perspective shaped by their work, and those different viewpoints make the conversation richer. Rather than arriving at the same conclusions, participants have the opportunity to challenge ideas, share experiences, and gain a broader understanding of complex public health issues.

That’s what makes the NBPHE Book Club unique. By welcoming both CPH and CDI certificants, we’re creating a space where diverse perspectives come together to strengthen the shared language of public health. Whether you’re discussing Soldiers and Kings or a future selection, your experiences and insights are an important part of the conversation.

How to Join the NBPHE Book Club

Join the conversation and connect with colleagues from across the public health profession. Visit nbphe.org/nbphe-book-club/ to learn more and see the book selections, present and past.

Then create an account at goodreads.com. After creating your profile, navigate to Community > click on Groups in the drop-down menu > search for NBPHE Book Club > send a request to Join > enter Your NBPHE certification Number > and Submit.

We look forward to you being a part of the conversation.