The team would like to present FEHA members with the plan for the next generation of the Florida Journal of Environmental Health, which was approved during the April 7, 2009 FEHA Board of Directors meeting. Editing and production of the journal will be a team effort with shared duties and oversight. Elke will be the primary point of contact for those with questions about the journal and authors submitting articles and tracking the status of submissions. Robert will be editing the articles after Elke’s first proof and then coordinating the production of the journal with Mona. Mona will continue her role as technical editor by designing the layout, formatting of the journal and coordinating its printing and distribution. This combination will allow for a system of checks and balances to be enacted to ensure continuity and consistency. We have developed a list of strategies and action steps outlining the details of creating the journal and this list will be continually updated and tweaked as needed.
As for the journal content, we will be implementing new sections, contests, games, and other features over the next several issues. One new item in particular that we have planned for the next issue is a student section, where we will work with the Public Relations and Academic Affairs committees to create a place for showcasing the work that Florida students are doing in the field of environmental health.
We will also be working closely with those in charge of the new website to ensure that the new website continues to report up-to-date information on the journal. There may even be an option for past issues to be available on the website for members for download in an electronic format.
Advertising is another important component of the journal as it is a wonderful and affordable opportunity for businesses to market their services to the environmental health industry. We look forward to working with the Executive Director to secure new advertisements in the journal.
Trying to fill Lu’s shoes will be a near impossible task, but with a little determination and a lot of support, we plan to make this transition positive for the organization. We are very excited for this opportunity and hope that you enjoy reading this issue of the journal.
We encourage you to write to us if you have any comments, suggestions, and/or questions. We are always interested in your opinions, so let your voice be heard. Send your letters to the editor and/or any articles you would like to be considered for publication in the journal to Elke_Ursin@doh.state.fl.us or by mail to 4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin #A-08 Attn: Elke Ursin Tallahassee, FL 32399.