President's Message
By Emily Wilson, RS
President, Florida Environmental Health Association
Winter 2007
Happy New Year to everyone! It is a great time of year for reflection and for planning. In this message I hope to cover both, and keep it short. It is incredible some of the faithful members we have in our organization. To those who keep their membership long after retirement, because of their love of the profession of Environmental Health, I want to extend special recognition. To our new members of the profession, I urge you to become active members and friends of our organization. And to the rest of us in between, keep the faith that Environmental Health services are the core of public health and offer unparalleled cost savings in preventive health measures.
Is it just me, or do you see the concern about global climate change being brought up everywhere and anywhere? Sometimes when an issue is brought to our attention we just start noticing it. Regardless whether it is really an issue with much more publicity or an issue that I am simply more aware of, it is an issue that the Florida Environmental Health Association is addressing. An ad hoc committee has been selected this year to look at the positions other organizations similar to ours have taken and recommend to the FEHA Board of Directors a position we can consider. Our 2008 Annual Educational Meeting will have the general session addressing this topic. If you know of dynamite speakers on this subject, please contact Scott Turner about it. We have invited Governor Crist or his representative to speak about the Executive Orders (#2007-128) that he enacted recognizing that global climate changes impact public health.
In reflecting again on the people of Environmental Health, I want to recognize and encourage the mentoring of students who express interest in our profession. Our academic affairs committee continues to reach out to college level students. Those of us who are parents and grandparents can become involved with the science studies of our children and grandchildren to spark that interest and tell real-life application stories. Science fairs are another annual opportunity, or we can work on encouraging young volunteers in the area, or consider speaking about Environmental Health to a class or at a community event; there are so many chances to reach out. The passion of our profession is evident in many of our members, and it is something people notice. If you could prevent someone from becoming ill, wouldn’t you? This resonates for many young people and will draw them to Environmental Health.
This is the time of year to write FEHA’s prestigious annual award submissions. Reflect on those who you know are doing incredible work and consider nominating your peers to receive one of these awards. Each district should be able to select one person to nominate in each category. Those with distinguished careers might qualify for the Billy G. Tennant or the Charlie Rhodes awards. Those with particularly good years of work may qualify for the Rookie of the Year or Outstanding EH Professional. Names need to be submitted right away to Edith Coulter, the FEHA awards committee chairperson. The awards committee wants to be sure to work with the District award chairpersons on the process. Look for the tribute to Billy G. Tennant found in this issue in recognition of his contribution to FEHA. What an honor to receive an award in his name, which is one also found on the original articles of incorporation for our organization. People are our biggest asset and as Mark Twain said “I can live two months on a good compliment.” Awards are a wonderful compliment.
My door is always open, my phone calls and messages always returned to those of you who work to improve our profession. Stay in touch. Blessings be yours this year, good health and good cheer.
Emily
