Thanks to all of our Section members who have worked this past year to expand our efforts to improve occupational health through projects with APHA.  Especially, I wish to thank our committee chairs who have planned this year's program so well. 

The next year will be an important one for our field.  There will be new opportunities politically with the presidential election season to raise issues that have been buried over the past eight years.  A volunteer is needed to carry on the efforts so ably lead by Joel Shufro (jshufro@nycosh.org) to create a political action committee around occupational health and safety. 

Consumer safety is emerging as a key issue.  We once again have seen the connection between the health of workers and the health of the public illustrated by diacetyl popcorn flavoring, with at least one case of lung disease in a consumer associated with frequent popcorn consumption. Our resolution proposed this year on chemical safety will be important to promote to address these issues in a more comprehensive way. 

I look forward to seeing you in Washington, D.C., in November.

Jim Cone, MD, MPH
(212) 442-2402
jcone@health.nyc.gov