Environmental Health

Greetings from the Environmental Health Section

The Annual Conference of EDNCPHA was great time to gather our membership after so much time away. For the first conference back AC (AFTER COVID-19), it was well attended in the Environmental Health Section. Program notes included a forward-thinking agenda about emergent issues and interests. Speakers represented innovations in septic tank manufacturer, recruitment and retention, how clandestine lab enforcement is changing, updates on the Children’s Environmental Health Branch, and health equity in Environmental Health. The Section had a successful silent auction to raise funds for the scholarships and awards. The business meeting presented a new slate of officers, which includes Thomas Privott, Orange County, as President for 2022-2023; Laura Lerch, Durham County, as VP; Amanda Cabiness, Warren County, Treasurer; and Jennifer Edwards, Wake County, Secretary.

We are in need of members and volunteers. Please spread the good word. Volunteering in a professional association is the perfect place to develop new skills. Many can testify that a volunteer experience at EDNCPHA or in a Section leads to some task or chance never, ever thought or spoke. This inevitably helps one to discover a skill or interest. Volunteer- ing in a professional association offers the space to practice skills in a relatively risk free environment, observing others and selecting best practices. It helps one to retain and to sharpen old skills, too. Serving on a Section or EDNCPHA com- mittee is a great way to learn group dynamics and teamwork. Group work not only fosters teamwork, but also offers
opportunities to learn more about different perspectives. Health Departments will recruit premium well-rounded individuals who have good teamwork and goal setting skills.

Serving as a committee chair increases facilitation skills. Program planning for the annual conference and implementing a major fund raising event can develop goal setting, planning, and budgeting skills. Working with the professional asso- ciation teaches public administration concepts, such as strategic thinking, change management and conflict resolution. Volunteering in the professional association creates new leaders. In short, volunteering for EDNCPHA or a Section drives up the value for the member and also benefits the organization. Volunteering can be energizing and renewing. Sometimes it is a welcome break in the routine of work.

– Victoria Hudson, MPA,REHS – Environmental Health Director Orange Co. Health Dept.