OPHA Presidential Transitions – Amy Wermert, MPH and Randi Love, PhD

From outgoing President, Amy - Where has the year gone?  All I know is that the last year has flown by and it’s time to hand over the OPHA presidency to OPHA’s next president, Randi Love.  While I was not able to accomplish what I had wanted to over the past year, I still believe OPHA had a very successful year. 

It was also another year of growing and learning for OPHA.  Growing from the fledgling organization that OPHA was five years ago to being a known and credible voice for public health in Ohio and having the infrastructure to make it happen.  The area where I see the most growth potential for OPHA is with public policy.  So much of public health focuses on public policy that we have to be part of the discussion.  To make this happen, however, we need involvement from OPHA members and we need additional funding.  Please consider becoming involved and/or making a tax deductible donation to OPHA.  A little bit of help can go a long way.       

 I would like to thank the OPHA Executive Board and Governing Council for their continued engagement and dedication to public health.  And, I would like to welcome Randi Love to her new role as president. 

From incoming President, Randi –   Recently, I was asked to speak to our undergraduate students about my experience in public health. 30 years in 20 minutes! I had a wonderful time even though I hadn’t given much thought to what I was going to say, which usually throws me into a panic. But, I just started at the beginning and went through three decades that included HIV and STI prevention, substance abuse prevention, college health, emergency preparedness and finally a faculty position at OSU. I was exhilarated at the end of the presentation – what a wild ride!  And there’s more to come.

Over the past year as president elect, I’ve been able to observe and participate in the inner workings of OPHA. I’ve been amazed at the scope of issues that fall under the rubric of public health and the dedicated folks behind the scenes.  I have the same lament of many of my colleagues. If only people realized what public health does! It is the mission of this organization to advance public health by speaking up and living up to our social justice philosophy, so important particularly in this election year. Take a minute, as I did, to reflect back on your time in public health and to know you’ve made a difference. Then let’s go forward and face the challenges and opportunities to come.