It is an exciting time as change comes to the Nation through the election of our 44th President. It promises to be a year full of hope, renewal and growth. We at MPHA are looking to provide the public health community with the same type of change through support, advocacy and partnership as we embark on a year with our own set of ambitious goals and high hopes. For those of you at the annual meeting you heard that MPHA will be working this year to implement our new plan and we need YOUR help in making this happen. Please continue to be an engaged member and know that we will be asking you to be involved this work. There are a number of committees that we are looking for members to serve on including the policy, membership, sustainability, workforce, and Get Ready committees. Please see below for committee contacts- or let me know where you’d like to be involved and we’ll make sure you get connected. Thank you for the opportunity to lead MPHA over the next year and I invite you to join me and my colleagues in strengthening MPHA through your membership and your voice. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at president@mainepublichealth.org with any of your thoughts and ideas about MPHA.
Sincerely,
Emily Rines, MPH, CHES

Please evaluate the 11/3 Annual Meeting
Thanks to everyone who attended the 24th MPHA annual meeting- what a fabulous day!  If you haven't already, please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=ruO53mXS0inhvwkW7Vx75w_3d_3d and give us your feedback on the day and input into future meetings.  Also, remember to visit the website http://www.mainepublichealth.org/annualmeeting.php   and use your new mpha flashdrive to download any of the powerpoint presentations that were given that day.

Interested in serving on an MPHA committee?  Now is your chance to make a difference!
All of our committees are looking for additional participants.  Phone participation is available for every meeting and we welcome all levels of participation.  Please contact any of the committee chairs below to learn more about the topic and how to get involved.
Membership & Marketing- Jessica Begley beglej@mmc.org
Policy advocacy- Shawn Yardley shawn.yardley@bangormaine.gov
Program Committee- Joan Ingram  jbi@portlandmaine.gov
Sustainability- Richard Veilleux veillr@mmc.org
Get Ready/Emergency Preparedness- Tina Pettingill  tinapettingill@gmail.com
Public Health workforce development- Though we have a few members who are interested in being on this committee and have some exciting ideas, the Chair seat is open!  Contact Tina or Emily if you are interested in serving or chairing this important committee. 

Information from our National Partners
On the Monday before Thanksgiving, Research!America and leading public health organizations take time to recognize public health professionals who work tirelessly every day to protect us. From the ordinary to the extraordinary, these heroes keep our drinking water safe, air clean and children healthy. To read about the work some public health heroes are doing around the country and to learn how to conduct your own Thank You day, log on to http://www.publichealththankyouday.org/ 

And just in case you haven't heard it lately, Thank YOU for your dedication, energy and committment to protecting the publics' health!