OPHA continues to make significant strides in elevating its profile across the state as the “Inclusive Voice of Public Health in Ohio.” There are any number of reasons for this but most of the credit rightfully goes to you, our dedicated members. Through the active work of the various OPHA sections, committees, volunteers and staff, we are now broadly recognized as a public health leader and as an essential partner to invite to the table when critical public health issues are discussed.

An important aspect of this emerging success is the commitment of OPHA to strengthen the capacity of public health professionals in addressing Ohio’s unmet public health needs. One way we are meeting this strategic goal is through the increasing visibility of our various conferences in Public Health Nursing, Vital Statistics and Combined Public Health. These opportunities to network and share best practices as professionals is invaluable to sustaining an expert and well-trained public health workforce.

Connecting with our partners is also proving an important key to our success. That is why we are excited to provide leadership in the climate resilience and health and equity in all policies statewide coalitions. Additionally, OPHA’s leadership recently approved the development of an overall strategy to improve oral health in Ohio. As dental disease remains one of the most common unmet healthcare needs, an effective strategy will ultimately depend on OPHA’s ability to bring interested stakeholders together to find workable solutions to this difficult and illusive public health problem.

I am truly encouraged by the committed work being done throughout our organization. Whether you are just entering the field of public health, a mid-career professional, a retiree or anything in between, we value the work you do each day to improve the health of all Ohioans and represent our organization in such a positive way.

While OPHA is certainly on a rising trajectory, I believe 2020 will provide even more opportunities for our association to offer statewide leadership and direction. I am also mindful, however, that in order to sustain our momentum it will be through the collective effort of our professional membership.

To that end, I look forward working with each of you as we continue this journey together to be the inclusive voice of public health.

Sincerely,
Robert Jennings
President, OPHA

Happy Holidays!

As we enter the holiday season and prepare to ring in the new year, I would like to highlight just a few of OPHA’s significant achievements over the past several months.

In October, OPHA partnered with state Representative Erica Crawley (D-Columbus) to convene a meeting of diverse stakeholders throughout Ohio. It was an important opportunity for our association to show continued leadership in the implementation of the HEiAP legislative initiative. The stakeholders invited to the table represented a cross-section of disciplines aligned with core determinants of health including those from transportation, education, housing, environment and state policy. The dialogue and engagement proved fruitful and OPHA is now viewed as an important leader in statewide policy change. Continue our statewide leadership through Health and Equity in All Policies…Check!

More recently, OPHA staff sat down with leadership from the Ohio Department of Health
(including Director Amy Acton) to discuss our association’s strategic priorities. It was important for us to remind ODH that OPHA is the “inclusive voice of public health in Ohio” and that our membership includes a diverse array of public and private sector professionals. ODH was attentive, engaged and receptive to our views on key issues. Both sides agreed to keep the lines of communication open and to work more closely in our mutual efforts to advance the practice of public health in Ohio.

We are also grateful to Franklin County Public Health Commissioner Joe Mazzola for facilitating a special meeting between OPHA leadership and Dr. Georges Benjamin, Executive Director of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Benjamin was in Columbus as a featured speaker during Franklin County Public Health’s Progress of Public Health Conference in October. As the Ohio affiliate of APHA, the meeting provided OPHA with a unique opportunity to discuss common goals and challenges at the national and state levels. Elevate the profile of our association…Check!

OPHA’s Executive Board in August hosted an orientation for Governing Council members. The goal of the orientation was to provide Governing Council with an historical overview of OPHA and how it aligns as an affiliate with APHA, set roles and expectations, solicit buy-in to the organization’s strategic plan, outline their fiduciary responsibilities and provide technical assistance and guidance. The feedback from those who attended the training has been overwhelmingly positive. Actively engage OPHA membership through education,
communication, and training…Check!

Finally, this is the time of year that we pause to reflect on the things we are most thankful for. I am honestly grateful to be a part of an organization whose members embody the true spirit of selfless service and who continue to give freely of their time and talents to protect and improve the health of everyone.  Here’s wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season and a very Happy New Year.

Sincerely,
Robert Jennings