Title: From the Chair
Author:
Section/SPIG: Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
Issue Date:
Our Annual Program in San Francisco was a huge success, with ATOD sessions very well attended – many thanks to all of the presenters for providing high quality sessions. The ATOD booth received third prize for best booth, thanks to the volunteer efforts of the Marin Institute. It was a full house at the ATOD awards ceremony, and we had a particularly entertaining acceptance speech by Stan Glantz, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
My heartfelt appreciation also to Section Councilors, Governing Councilors, Section Officers, and Committee Chairs for devoting their considerable time and expertise to creating a dynamic ATOD Section. Special thanks also to several people who volunteer substantially more of their time than we have a right to ask for: Gabrielle Denmead for the ATOD-specific program and ongoing Web site coordination; Jamie Chriqui as Section Secretary; Mary Brolin as Newsletter Editor; Marilyn Daley as List-serv Coordinator; and Barry Bleidt for his superb efforts in the daunting job of coordinating our Annual Program.
During the Annual Meeting, the Section leadership was invited to a special meeting with Drug Czar John Walters to discuss issues of common concern. We are planning a follow-up meeting with Director Walters at our mid-year meeting in Washington, D.C.
In order to keep all of the ATOD Section better informed about abstract submission and review, and to strengthen our advocacy efforts, we will occasionally send e-mails to the full membership. We will also send reminders about upcoming elections with more in-depth candidates’ statements.
Our priority this year is increased advocacy efforts. We will be working for more visibility for ATOD issues within APHA. If you have a policy issue for which you would like ATOD support, please e-mail me at <dianac@parca.org>.
Diana Conti
Chair