Washington, D.C., August 31, 2004
– Leading public health experts will speak at the Georgia Public Health Association’s (GPHA) 75 th Annual Meeting and Conference Sept. 7-10, 2004, in Savannah, Ga. Six hundred public health professionals from across the state will attend the conference to explore current issues in public health and learn about new approaches to public health challenges.
Speakers include American Public Health Association (APHA) Executive Director Georges Benjamin, MD, FACP; GPHA past president and former health director of the Dekalb County Board of Health Paul J. Wiesner, MD; and scientist, author and bioterrorism expert Ken Alibek, PhD. Benjamin is a former secretary of health for the state of Maryland, chief of emergency medicine at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., and commissioner for public health for the District of Columbia.
“Public health is at the forefront of today’s national challenges, from the rising numbers of the uninsured to the threat of bioterrorism,” Benjamin said. “This conference is a timely opportunity for public health professionals across Georgia to shape the future of public health and make progress on today’s vital issues.”
The conference will bring together academicians, researchers, practitioners, and policy-makers from public health, mental health, community disaster preparedness, social sciences, government and non-governmental agencies. An exhibit area will offer 45 exhibits, including academic organizations, educational and promotional products and historical documents related to the 75 years of GPHA. The GlaxoSmithKline Child Health Recognition Awards will also be announced.
“This year’s conference theme reflects our 75 th year as a professional organization serving the needs of our membership,” said GPHA Executive Director Margaret Park. “Our meeting will focus on the history of GPHA, our current work and the future challenges we will face as a public health work force. Our theme will be carried out through the three keynote speakers.”
The annual meeting will be held at the Savannah Marriott Riverfront Hotel. The program and registration information is available at www.gapha.org.
GPHA, an affiliate of APHA, represents public health workers across Georgia. By strengthening the efforts of individuals in the public health community, educating public health professionals and community members, promoting research and development in public health and advocating for public health issues, GPHA works to improve the health of the people of Georgia.