Re-designates 21 existing SOPHE Chapters through 2025
WASHINGTON, DC – November 10, 2020 – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) Board of Trustees proudly announces its newest chapter, Connecticut SOPHE, Inc. (CT SOPHE).
The 501(c)(3) nonprofit chapter will provide leadership in the field of health education and health promotion to improve the health of communities in Connecticut. Connecticut SOPHE will focus on improving the population’s health equity through professional development, continuing education, and networking opportunities for health education professionals and student members.
“We are excited to have a platform for health educators working and studying right here in our communities to change behaviors and improve health outcomes,” said Nicole Batista, MPH, CT SOPHE’s first chapter president. Dr. Jean Breny, National SOPHE’s Immediate Past President added, “Although a small state, we have almost 80 health departments and hundreds of public health educators working in schools, community-based organizations, and many, accredited and high-quality public health and health education preparation programs. CT SOPHE will strengthen partnerships and collaborations across these settings and help us decrease inequities in the state.”
At its recent fall meeting, SOPHE’s Board of Trustees also re-designated 21 existing chapters across the country that span over 25 states and regions coast to coast. These multi-faceted grass-roots organizations carry out the mission and strategic goals of the national organization at the community level and must apply for re-designation by National SOPHE every five years. The chapters engage in advocacy campaigns to promote healthy communities, provide continuing education, and often serve as host sponsors for SOPHE’s Annual Conferences. Each chapter is represented in SOPHE’s governance as part of the house of delegates, which provides technical assistance, organizational guidance, and communications support throughout the year. Many of SOPHE’s Chapters have thrived since the 1960s with a proud heritage.
“One of the unique aspects of SOPHE is our ‘boots on the ground’ and the chapters’ abilities to provide workforce development and outreach that meets state and local needs,” says Cam Escoffery, PhD, MPH, CHES®, National SOPHE President. “We are proud of our local chapters and their important contributions to innovation, problem-solving and the leadership pipeline of our health education workforce.” Many students and young professionals also have engaged with health promotion through membership and engagement at the local level.
For more information about SOPHE chapters, visit www.sophe.org/membership/sophe-chapters/.
Read more to start a chapter in your state or region.
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