December 2008 - Message from the President

To OPHA Board, Members and Staff:

As my first year in the role of OPHA president draws to a close, I find myself reflecting upon the activities and accomplishments of 2008.

The revitalization of our advocacy agenda with a focus on health system reform, reducing health disparities, as well as increased engagement with policy makers, were developments that positioned us well to have a voice in critical public health issues.

Our annual Fall conference "Making Healthy Communities Count" hosted in partnership with alPHa and Niagara Region Public Health was a resounding success and I want to sincerely thank all the staff and members who contributed their time and talents to this event. The membership of OPHA has been engaged, through our various workgroups, in making the case for change by developing position papers and resolutions that were presented to our membership for voting approval and action at our Fall AGM.

The upcoming year marks a very significant milestone for OPHA — our 60th anniversary! Plans are already underway to mark this occasion at our 2009 annual conference as well as throughout the year, so stay tuned for highlights of activities in our e-bulletin.

In closing, I want to thank you for the privilege of serving you in this role and wish you and your families a happy and healthy holiday season.

Carol Timmings, President, Ontario Public Health Association