The PHLA is governed by a board of directors, and its staff and committees work to publish newsletters, resource lists and best practices information that will benefit those who work with public health law and policy. The association works collaboratively with other organizations on conferences and teleconferences to provide opportunities to lawyers and other practitioners in the public health system to improve both the practice of law and the public's health through education, sharing of ideas and research.
According to the organization's Web site (http://www.phla.info/), the PHLA was established because law is fundamental to the origin, understanding and delivery of public health services. Law improves the likelihood that residents of local, state, national, tribal and international communities can lead healthy, long, and productive lives. Better understanding of the law, government, the policy-making process, and the role of attorneys in support of their public health clientele improves the public's health.
Through scholarly and applied work, Hodge delves into multiple areas of public health law, global health law, ethics, and human rights. Professor Hodge teaches Health Law, Ethics, and Policy, Public Health Law and Ethics, and Global Health Law and Policy.