Policy Committee Update

APHA has identified policy gaps for which it is most interested in seeing new policy statements.  Of the 12 listed, those most relevant to Environmental Health include:

·         Health reform and the changing role of the public health system. 

·         The economics of public health/scoring public health programs.

·         Water and public health.

·         Healthy and affordable housing.

·         Green collar jobs.

·         Economic development and human health and welfare.

·         Public health workforce issues.  

·         Use of performance measures in public health research and practice.

·         Preventive Health.

Proposed new resolutions and position papers for the 2009 New Policy Process are due in electronic form to APHA headquarters by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on Feb. 17. Proposals should be sent to policy@apha.org. 

-Members will have the opportunity to review proposed new policies during the month of March, with comments due March 31.  I will try to communicate to the section those proposed policies that might most benefit from member input.

-A review of existing policies will be taking place during February and May.

-Members seeking to submit policies should consider consulting the policy committee chair for guidance, especially if they are unfamiliar with the process.  Also, anyone with an interest in assisting with the review process should contact John Balbus at jbalbus@edf.org.