3167.1: Monday, October 22, 2001 - Board 5

Abstract #31251

Mentoring the next generation of public health professionals: The Georgia way

Melissa Alperin, MPH, CHES, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1525 Clifton Road, Office 107, Atlanta, GA 30322, 404-727-2928, malperi@sph.emory.edu, Lisa M. Carlson, MPH, CHES, National Office, Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309, and Susan O. Butler, EdD, CHES, Rollins School of Public Health, Dept. of BSHE, Emory University, 1525 Clifton Road, Room 104, Atlanta, GA 30322.

Founded in 1929, the Georgia Public Health Association (GPHA) is the leading professional association that promotes and protects the health of the people of Georgia. With membership approaching 1000, GPHA's membership comprises individuals representing the Georgia Division of Public Health, CDC, community based organizations, educational institutions, and non profit agencies like the Arthritis Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Within the state of Georgia there is one school of public health and 4 additional MPH programs. One of the things that GPHA values is the importance of mentoring young public health professionals. In an effort to attract these young people and encourage their early involvement in professional organizations, GPHA has started a campaign to actively recruit these young people.

This presentation will discuss the role young public health professionals can and do play in a professional organization like the Georgia Public Health Association. Recruitment and retention strategies will also be addressed.

Learning Objectives: At the end of the session, learners will be able to: 1. Describe the importance of mentoring young public health professionals; and 2. Describe how one local affiliate is mentoring the next generation of public health professionals.

Keywords: Public Health Infrastructure, Young Professionals

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA