A message from the President.

As we navigate the complexities of public health in an ever-evolving landscape, I want to take a moment to emphasize the incredible work we are doing together. Our commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our communities is more crucial than ever, and I am proud to be part of this dedicated leadership team at NCPHA that supports our amazing membership.

Along with Dr. Rod Jenkins and Nina Beech, I look forward to continuing to represent NCPHA on the NC Public Health Collaboration’s strategic planning process. This effort is a great opportunity to bring together our three organizations for greater collective impact on public health in North Carolina and will help shape our organization for many, many years to come. I am also excited to see increased participation and focus this coming year with our Voter Voice tool – I hope that we can start to realize its potential for enhancing our organization’s advocacy efforts towards more resources and better policies for public health in our great state.

Let’s not forget that NCPHA is THE largest state-based affiliate of APHA in the country. We are strong not only in our membership, but also in our infrastructure and mission. We cannot be as successful as we are without our members and their dedication to NCPHA. If you love coming together at our Fall Educational Conference, but haven’t taken steps towards a larger role in the organization, now is the time! Please think in the coming months about nominating yourself or a colleague for a role on the Governing Council, nominating yourself/colleague/agency for an award, or volunteering for section leadership roles. Or, if these opportunities seem too formal for you or you are unsure about time and effort commitment, please reach out to myself or anyone on the Governing Council to talk more about becoming more involved.

This coming year will certainly bring both challenges and opportunities. From addressing emerging health threats to promoting health equity, our initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of many, but its not easy work. Your hard work, innovation, and compassion are the backbone of our efforts, and I am deeply grateful for your dedication. Together, we can build a future where public health thrives, and every community has the support to overcome barriers to health and well-being. Let’s continue to bring the energy we saw at our Fall 2024 conference in Cherokee to work hand in hand this year and beyond to create a healthier North Carolina- each and every one of you is what makes NCPHA’s woven basket so strong.

Warm regards,

Amy Belflower Thomas, MHA, MSPH, CPH

President, 2024-2025