Chair Welcome

Thank you for the honor of chairing the largest and one of the most exciting sections of APHA.  I look forward to our working together for another productive year.

I want to encourage more members to share in the Section's work and success. At this year's annual meeting, an APHA staff member asked me why the Section is always so thorough and effective.  I responded that it is what we do -- that we are drawing on our many strengths and Public Health Education and Health Promotion (PHEHP) professionals.  We are excellent communicators.  We understand the importance of careful planning, setting realistic objectives and evaluating our efforts.  We value the interests of diverse stakeholders and work hard at forming coalitions and partnerships.  We know well that we deal in complex issues that warrant multi-level responses.  And at the base of all our efforts is an unyielding commitment to social justice.

We bring this unique perspective, skill set, vitality and dedication to our work in the American Public Health Association (APHA). The Section's committees and work groups are engaged in a wide variety of activities to move the agenda forward. The standing committees are continuing their efforts, building on the fine work of previous years' efforts.  Additionally, we have some new initiatives, such as a work group addressing collaboration between Section and Affiliates. Also, we are in contact with several other Sections and special interest groups (SPIGS) that have expressed interest in working more closely with us.  We invite all new members, renewed members and students to join us in these efforts. If you wish to help or to offer other suggestions, please contact me or a committee chair.

Again, I am deeply appreciative for this opportunity. I wish everyone a year filled with the best of health, joy and peace.

Sincerely,

Roberta Hollander, PhD, MPH, Section Chair 2006-2007