My name is Elizabeth Schiffman, and I’m happy to be the newest newsletter co-editor for the Section. I haven’t been a part of APHA for long, but I’m excited about this opportunity to learn more about the CHPPD Section and the work that it does. I was able to attend and present at the 2007 Annual Meeting ,and I learned a lot about the different directions public health can take and the variety of opportunities it offers. I’m looking forward to another poster session this fall in San Diego and the chance to participate in the activities of the CHPPD Section.

I am relatively new to the field of public health — my background is in international studies and human rights. I have an MA in international human rights from the University of Denver, and a BA in international studies from the University of Minnesota. I am originally from Minnesota, but right now I am in Colorado working for Denver Environmental Health as a program administrator on the VB/I-70 Community Health Program. The program focuses on preventing lead poisoning in five target neighborhoods in Denver through community outreach and education. It’s funded by the EPA, and is a first of its kind in that it incorporates a community health and education program along with a traditional superfund site remediation project. Working on this program has been a great learning experience. In the future I would like to work on other projects that would allow me to explore some of my other health interests, which include health literacy, global health, the intersection of health and human rights issues, and health policy.

In my spare time, I love to read, knit, and hang out with friends. My dog also keeps me busy doing things she thinks are fun, liking going for walks and going to the park. My other favorite is traveling and exploring new places, although I haven’t had a chance to do much of that lately. If you have any questions, suggestions, or just want to say hello, send me an e-mail at elizabeth.schiffman@denvergov.org.