Southern Health Association

President's Welcome

by Sue Parker

Welcome to the website for the Southern Health Association. Please explore – it is full of information on the Affiliate States, newsletters from the last several years for the Association, as well as public health news in general. It is always interesting to read what is happening in states that are around you, and states that share common ground.

North Carolina Public Health Association had a slogan several years ago “Every Where, Every Day, Every Body” that fits public health so well. I am always amazed when I realize how few people understand the value of public health to them personally. Today as public health funding continues to take major hits, it is more important than ever that education on the importance of public health continues. Not only as public health professionals do we have an obligation to educate the public, we must also educate and work closely with policy makers, legislative bodies and others that influence how the money is spent. Public Health is facing many, many challenges just like the health care market in general – as funding cuts are implemented there are often unfunded mandates added. How do we get the message that out that we are not just the immunization place, but also the monitor for the water that you drink, the inspector for the restaurant where you eat, the clinician that provides well child check-ups, family planning services, and in most states, WIC. For many areas in some of our states, public health is the only access to care available. It is important that our message is “This is what we’ve done for you lately”.

Southern Health gives you an excellent opportunity to network with other public health professionals in eight states. It is always good to share ideas, discuss successes, and even talk about that occasional failure and what went wrong. I encourage you to get involved, meet and form relationships with your counterparts in other southern states, not only do you gain valuable insights, great friendships are established that last a lifetime. Mark your calendars now! Alabama and Southern Health will have their joint annual meeting April 9-11, 2014 in Birmingham, AL. Don’t miss a great learning opportunity, hope to see you there.
President

Mission:
To serve as the regional advocate for public health and for the development and growth of its leadership.

Purpose:
To foster and stimulate a greater degree of scientific effort in the protection and improvement of public health, and to bring about better understanding, integration and promotion of public health service.

Southern Health Update

SHA publishes a newsletter three times a year which is sent to all individual,fellow, retiree, student, contributing and associate members. Members are encouraged to contribute articles for publication.

In addition to articles relating to SHA, the Southern Health "Update" also includes a section on what's going on in the various states in the region, state affiliate association news, and a consumer news section.

Editor: Jan Cooke
Managing Editor: Sandra Whittle

Click Here to Read the Latest Edition

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