NEHA NEWS
services. “I strive to make a positive impact, continue to grow pro- fessionally, and ultimately contribute to the betterment of public health,” commented Blackham. Blackham has received numerous over her career, including the Gerald Story and Reed Roberts Memorial Awards from the Utah Environmental Health Association and several NEHA presidential citations. She also served as the president of the Conference of Local Environmental Health Administrators from 2018–2021. In reflecting on her time on the board, Blackham stated, “Wit- nessing the profession flourish from a broader perspective and working with all the exceptional people was truly gratifying. I am confident that NEHA is heading in the right direction and will continue to elevate the profession to new heights. I take great pride in the organization’s accomplishments and am thankful for the opportunity to contribute to its success.” NEHA Awarded Capacity Building Grant to Support the Environmental Public Health Workforce In late July 2024, we were awarded a competitive 5-year coopera- tive agreement from the Centers for Disease Control and Preven- tion (CDC). The capacity building grant extends from August 1, 2024–July 31, 2029, and will support the knowledge, skills, and expertise of the environmental public health workforce that protects the health and safety of communities across the country, with an emphasis on historically overlooked rural, frontier, and tribal communities. The environmental public health workforce is one of the largest professions in the public health sector, second only to nursing. Environmental health professionals work in state, territorial, local, and tribal agencies; community organizations; and industry to pro- tect communities from health risks in the environment, such as wildfire smoke and water contamination. “This cooperative agreement will significantly enhance our ability to build capacity within the environmental public health workforce,” said Dr. David Dyjack, NEHA chief executive ocer. “By focusing on leadership development, data modernization, and strategic partnerships, we can strengthen the resilience and eec- tiveness of our public health system to address complex challenges and ensure equitable health outcomes for all communities.” The activities of the cooperative agreement will focus on three key areas: 1. Workforce Development: Provide opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, knowledge, and experience through the NEHA Environmental Health Leadership Academy, quarterly grand rounds seminars, and development of disaster readiness and response resources and materials. 2. Data Modernization and Informatics: Facilitate a community of practice to advance national strategic goals, provide techni- cal assistance, and develop resources to support environmental public health programs.
Region 3 Vice-President Rachelle Black- ham, MPH, REHS, leaves the board after 6 years of dedicated service and leader- ship from 2018–2024. Region 3 includes Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, and all members residing outside of the U.S. except members of the U.S. uni- formed services. Over the past 6 years, she has chaired the AEC and Credential- ing Committees; served as a member of
the NEHA Food Safety Committee; participated on NEHA board committees including AEC planning, policy and bylaws, finance, awards, global engagement, aliate engagement, and credentialing; participated in three NEHA Hill Days; and served as the legacy advi- sor to the Business and Industry Aliate. She has lent her knowl- edge and expertise to focus groups, webinars, meetings, presenta- tions, and conferences. As Blackham stated, “It was a privilege and a truly enriching experience to serve on the NEHA board. Through- out my tenure, I have experienced significant professional growth and have formed meaningful friendships that I deeply appreciate.” During her tenure on the board, Blackham’s primary objective was to bring fresh or new perspectives that demonstrated thinking outside the box or breaking conventional boundaries. This drive led her—as a young and ambitious environmental health profes- sional from Utah—to pursue the Region 3 vice-president position in 2018. “I am sure I was seen as a ‘whipper-snapper’ by some, but I was proud of representing people at dierent levels of their careers,” Blackham declared. When asked about her accomplishments on the NEHA board, she stated that she was especially proud of the internship and lead- ership training opportunities that NEHA launched during her time on the board. As Blackham stated, “Witnessing the growth and development of new employees has always been a top priority for me and I remain committed to serving as a mentor and advocate for emerging environmental health professionals.” Blackham feels that the marketing of the environmental health profession has always been and continues to be a challenge. For her, representing the younger or newer members was very important. Advocating for change and getting those changes in place took patience and over- all was challenging. Blackham started her career in 2008 as an environmental health intern at the Davis County Health Department, Utah. “Technically, I started as a lake sampler for the Utah Department of Environ- mental Quality, but after more than 15 years working for a local health department, this initial role is sometimes forgotten. I was eager to learn, ambitious, and out to conquer the world. Therefore, I progressed through the ranks to the environmental health direc- tor position. I loved working in environmental health and profes- sionally speaking, it will remain my one true love,” stated Black- ham. In 2021, she was promoted to deputy department director, where she currently is focused on providing and enhancing aging
47
September 2024 • Journal of Environmental Health
Powered by FlippingBook