The Ohio Public Health Association (OPHA) is glad you’ve found us!
Our mission is to ensure the optimal health of all Ohioans and to be the inclusive Voice of Public Health in Ohio.
We have a strong belief in the power and value of being that voice -for all Ohioans! And to that end, we champion a Health and Equity in All Policies approach to decision-making and policy development. Only when all Ohioans have equal access to high quality prevention and health care services, and when the places where we all live, learn, work, play and pray comprise the healthiest communities possible, will our work be done! And then we’ll find more ways to make a healthier difference for Ohioans and we’ll keep working!
Become a member – get in the loop – and get engaged with us in making Ohio the healthiest state possible!
As I finish my last month as President of your association, I feel a deep gratitude for the privilege of being able to represent Ohio’s talented and dedicated public health professionals. As an association we have stepped forward to lead, and advocate for, initiatives that improve the health of our state and strengthen the public health system.
Some highlights from the past 12 months:
- Public Health Nurse’s Role in Emergency/Disaster Shelters white paper was published by the OPHA Public Health Nursing Section. This document provides guidance for public health nurses in general disaster shelter operations.
- OPHA’s Climate Resiliency Coalition developed and released their white paper, a resource for use by local public health professionals in their efforts to address the public health impacts of climate change and climate-related weather events in their jurisdictions.
- The Ohio Journal of Public Health (OJPH) has been established to publish high-quality, peer reviewed manuscripts that present research, as well as public health and educational practices that are relevant to Ohio. Submissions for the first edition have been received for publishing this fall.
- Promoting the adoption of Health and Equity in All Policies (HEiAP) through the release of the OPHA funded Enacting Health and Equity in All Policies: Literature Review and Case Studies report and the introduction of Senate Bill 302, by Senator Tavares, to create the Ohio Health and Equity in All Policies Initiative and the Health and Equity Interagency Team.
- Advancing the practice of public health in Ohio through the OPHA Vital Statistics conference, Public Health Nursing Conference, the Combined Public Health Conference, and the Public Policy Institute.
I’d like to thank the Board, Governing Council, our many volunteers, the OPHA staff, and all our members, for their support and contributions to the success of OPHA in this past year!
Natalie DiPietro Mager, our incoming president, will continue to need all of us to continue working to support our association, especially as we continue to work through the transition of executive director staffing. I have full confidence that Natalie will do a great job leading OPHA forward!
Sincerely,
Joe Ebel
Senator Tavares Introduces HEiAP Bill to Improve Health of Ohioans
State Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) recently introduced a bill, Senate Bill 302, to improve Ohio’s poor health indicators by requiring the State to determine how all new rules and regulations would impact the health of Ohioans. “We know that the health of our citizens influences every aspect of our state – our economy, our … Continue reading Senator Tavares Introduces HEiAP Bill to Improve Health of Ohioans
Despair Deaths May Pass “Worst Case Scenario” Trajectory
Earlier we told you about a report detailing the growing problem of Americans dying of alcohol- and drug-induced deaths and suicides. A newer analysis from Trust for America’s Health says the country may pass the “worst-case scenario” projection trajectory.
Climate Resilience Resource for Local Health Departments Released
The Ohio Public Health Resiliency Coalition formed by OPHA has released a resource for addressing the public health impacts of climate change. The document looks the potential adverse outcomes that Ohio communities may face and suggests adaptations public health professionals can make. It was released during the 2018 Public Health Combined Conference. The full release … Continue reading Climate Resilience Resource for Local Health Departments Released
Senator Tavares Introduces HEiAP Bill to Improve Health of Ohioans
State Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) recently introduced a bill, Senate Bill 302, to improve Ohio’s poor health indicators by requiring the State to determine how all new rules and regulations would impact the health of Ohioans. “We know that the health of our citizens influences every aspect of our state – our economy, our … Continue reading Senator Tavares Introduces HEiAP Bill to Improve Health of Ohioans
Key Points of the Medicaid Waiver
The Ohio Department of Medicaid released a proposal to seek an 1115 waiver that would include work requirements for people who are a part of the Medicaid expansion group. The proposal is in the public comment period.
Senate Hears Testimony on Dental Therapists Bill
Last week, many provided testimony at a hearing on Senate Bill 98. This bill would establish licensure for dental therapists and allow the expansion of dental services to children and low-income adults. OPHA was among those submitting written testimony in support.