President's Message

On behalf of the Tennessee Public Health Association Board of Directors, Annual Meeting Committees, and our Executive Director, I am honored to welcome you to this 2019 Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Public Health Association. Planning for this year’s Meeting literally started as we wrapped up last year’s successful 75th Anniversary Celebration, and no detail has been spared to make our 76th year even more special. Committee Chairs and their members have identified cutting edge speakers, scheduled section meetings and conspired to create a magical Fun and Fitness event to be remembered. Except for the Executive Director, all of this work has been carried out by YOU – devoted TPHA members who volunteer your time and talents to public health and to this dynamic organization. Thank you!

This year’s theme – Managing Change: Opportunities for Public Health Impact – promises to deliver timely topics and unmatched opportunities for networking with colleagues both old and new. Hear updates from Commissioner Piercey, and don’t miss our exceptional plenary speakers as well as workshops with such a variety of topics, you’re sure to take away practical new information to use in your daily work. Don’t forget to take time to visit the exhibitor’s booths, talk with young investigators at the poster sessions and please don’t miss the opportunity to bid on something special at the Silent Auction. Make sure to share your thoughts with the students for the TPHA student documentary production. And of course, Winter is Coming, so this year’s Spirit Stick may be accompanied by a crown, a seat on a throne or perhaps a dragon egg or two. Who knows?

As we head into the era of Public Health 3.0, Opportunities for Public Health Impact have never been greater. The Tennessee Public Health Association remains one of the largest, strongest state affiliates of the American Public Health Association because of the strength and dedication of our membership. This is demonstrated yet again by the work of so many to bring this year’s conference to life. I am confident that you will leave with a renewed spirit and commitment to our goal of a healthier Tennessee. Enjoy the conference. The best is yet to come!

 

Kind regards,

Cathy R. Taylor, DrPH, MSN, RN

 

2018-2019 TPHA President