Since its report to the Board in July 2002, the Environmental Health Committee has focused on exploring appropriate activities and opportunities for ACPM related to environmental health. The Committee met by conference call this summer to discuss possible priorities for the committee. Concepts that were discussed include: (a) improving the education and training of physicians in environmental health and helping to grow the pipeline of these specialists; (b) collaborating with CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH) to support the Environmental Public Health Tracking Program; and (c) serving as the ACPM body that determines which environmental health topics to address.

Related to the CDC/NCEH activity noted above, the Environmental Health Committee has been invited to Atlanta to meet with staff from CDC’s NCEH and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to discuss possible collaborative efforts. The meeting will likely take place early next year. The meeting agenda will include learning about NCEH goals and mission, a discussion of the activities that are taking place currently, and finding ways for NCEH and the committee to work together. CDC staff will also assist this committee with strategic planning and developing a work plan for future activities.