What does the National Environmental Health Association do?

The National Environmental Health Association, or NEHA, is a national non-profit organization that promotes the field of environmental health (EH). It is unique in that it brings together EH personnel at various levels, in various sectors, and with multiple backgrounds. The 'bread and butter" of NEHA is promoting the professionals who work in EH at the local and state levels. But it also has significant involvement in federal issues, including the CDC, FDA, EPA, and all of the military branches. NEHA is mostly focused on the United States, but it has members around the world!

What specific things does NEHA do for the profession? First, it publishes a high quality peer-reviewed Journal of Environmental Health every month. This is a source of cutting-edge information from across the field of environmental health. Second, NEHA conducts a national conference every year and more than 1000 persons attend (this year's meeting will be in June in Columbus, Ohio). This conference focuses on education of attendees, allowing them to take the best and latest innovations home to their organizations. The conference is a great opportunity for networking. Third, NEHA issues and manages credentials for several environmental health professions. These credentials ensure that the public is served by professionals that meet high standards of technical knowledge, skill, and ability. Fourth, NEHA provides training and education for various EH subjects. NEHA partners with CDC and other organizations to make high quality training available at no cost. Fifth, NEHA stays abreast of developments in the field, including agency activities, political and societal trends, and new health problems. NEHA works with many other organizations to respond to these issues. Whenever required, NEHA will communicate with political leaders and government officials to ensure that those individuals know the views of, interests, and implications to the field of EH.

NEHA does all of this while maintaining one of the lowest dues of any national professional organization. NEHA is almost legendary for its frugality. Its reputation for efficient management and effectiveness has attracted many partners and alliances.

I've been a NEHA member for over 35 years. I've always felt good about writing my dues check to NEHA because I know that I am getting a fantastic return on a modest investment.