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Open Access
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
The Importance of Environmental Health Education and Development
CDR Anna Khan, MA, REHS/RS
T he environmental health workforce represents the second largest disci- pline of the public health workforce, second only to nursing. In addition, the 10 Essential Public Health Services describe the public health activities that all communi- ties should have in place and environmental health is part of those activities including “in- vestigate, diagnose, and address health prob- lems and hazards aecting the population” (Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion, 2024). I find it puzzling and sometimes frustrating that environmental public health is somehow unknown to most people. How do we ensure that people know who environ- mental health professionals are or better yet, that our profession does not fade away? What would be the impact if we no longer exist or if we are blended into another profession that does not emphasize essential elements of life such as clean air, water, and food? In Frank Capra’s classic film, It’s a Wonderful Life , when George discovers a world without his family’s bank, the Baily Brothers Building and Loan, the economically disadvantaged people suered the most. Without environ- mental public health, people who are at the greatest risk would suer the most. Environ- mental health professionals are needed to ensure the health of the whole public. A research brief from the de Beaumont Foundation and Public Health National Cen- ter for Innovation (2021) clearly states the need for public health professionals. The brief emphasizes that state and local health depart- ments need to hire a minimum of 80,000 more full-time equivalent positions to provide adequate infrastructure and public health ser-
so they can engage eectively in conserva- tion eorts and make informed decisions that benefit their communities and the world. By designating a specific day for environmen- tal education, the UN aims to highlight the interconnectedness of human well-being and environmental health, encouraging global participation in sustainability eorts. By equipping people with the knowledge and skills necessary to tackle pressing environ- mental challenges, we not only inform but also mobilize communities around the world to participate in initiatives that promote sus- tainability and ecological balance. The principle of World Environmental Education Day is the belief that education should be inclusive and action-oriented. The UN emphasizes the importance of integrat- ing environmental education into all levels of schooling, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging collaborative problem-solving. And this line of thought brings us to the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) and what we are doing towards these eorts. As we all know, our mission is to build, sustain, and empower an eective environmental health workforce. While our members might be aware of the countless ways we look to support their empowerment and development, I want to highlight some initiatives and programs that we have in place that focus on environmental health education and development. We have recently created an Office of Student Aairs to support students as they begin their careers. One of those ways is through free student memberships (see Sidebar). Getting an education means more
We will continue to champion environmental health education and
development for all our members.
vices, which is an increase of approximately 80% compared with current stang levels. In addition, among the public health profession- als needed, the brief states that there is a need for 9,500 environmental practitioners. I think this ongoing concern has been exac- erbated since the pandemic. I want, however, to bring to your attention one of the earliest instances of realization of the importance of environmental health workforce education and development. The United Nations (UN) held a conference on the human environment in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1972. The confer- ence was held to bring attention to environ- mental health issues. During this conference, there was a decision to observe a World Envi- ronment Day every June. This conference also led to the establish- ment of a World Environmental Education Day, which is observed every January. It was created to raise awareness about the impor- tance of environmental education. World Environmental Education Day is a way to educate people about environmental issues
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Volume 87 • Number 6
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