Dear Friends and Colleagues,
I trust that this note finds you all well. The Section had a tremendous
response to its call for abstracts this year – many thanks to all of you who submitted your work for review. It was an extremely competitive round. Special thanks go out to Roy Grant and Danielle Green for their able leadership during the entire process. Our section is well poised to sponsor yet another important APHA policy – this time on Vitamin D. Azzie Young has patiently and passionately (hard to do both) shepherded this proposal along its way. Look for details in the fall newsletter. The Policy Dialogue group is winding up its three-part series on Health and Civil Rights; be sure to visit the Web site at http://www.apha.org/membergroups/sections/aphasections/chppd/benefits/ppd_conf.htm to get details on podcasts, PowerPoint presentations and the blog. Thanks to Darrell Montgomery for his team’s efforts, especially the guidance and determination offered by Bob Griss, who inspired this series of sessions.
The one thing that CHPPD really is in need of right now and for the next two years is a leader for the Membership Committee. Emylou Rodriguez is coming to the end of her term, and it would be helpful for someone to co-chair with her through the 2008 Annual Meeting, then take over the reins. Please send a note to Emy at ERodriguez@marchofdimes.com or to Priti Irani at pri01@health.state.ny.us if you are willing to step up and help.
We have so much work in front of us and so these times are difficult. I am aware that many organizations have hiring freezes on. This means heavier workloads for those in positions now, and harder times for those breaking into the field or whose grants have not been refunded. Please know that your section will do its best to provide extra value to you for your membership and try to create forums where you can feel stimulated and supported.
Yours in service,
Sue Myers, Chair, sue.myers@healthequityassociates.org