Dear OEHA Members,
We hope this letter finds you well as we realize many of us are on the front lines of COVID 19 response and containment efforts. The purpose of this letter is to provide membership an update on the Association as we weather this unprecedented time in our history.
We would like to address the Annual Education Conference. As most of you are aware the Board had to make the difficult decision to postpone the Annual Educational Conference indefinitely due to Governor Dewine’s order and in the interest of keeping everyone healthy and safe. We are currently working on establishing a date for a formal annual meeting that will replace the typical annual business meeting that historically has occurred at the AEC. The format of this meeting will likely follow that of the semi annual legislative updates that the Association provides to membership. However, there will also be a formal business meeting as well as an election to fill all vacant positions. We are projecting that this all will occur in August and will keep members informed by providing notification at least 45 days in advance of this meeting.
We have also received some questions regarding awarding of scholarships. The scholarship committee will convene to decide on the winner or winners from the pool of applicants. They will then be subsequently notified of the award and formally recognized one the Journal of Environmental Health as well as at the aforementioned Annual Meeting.
The Board will also need to address the issue of replacing some officers who will no longer be continuing in their current position. This will occur at special Board meeting held at the end of March or early April. This Board meeting will be held in a location and manner to observe appropriate social distancing while sill being able to conduct vital association business. Currently, the OEHA bylaws do not permit the board to meet via teleconference or video conference. There will be proposed bylaws changes to address this that will need to be approved by membership at the Annual meeting along with the election of vacant positions.
Thank you all for your continued dedication to protecting all we serve. We’re confident that our members will be examples providing leadership, calm, and vital information to all who need it as we weather the rest of the pandemic.
Stay strong, be healthy, and support those around you!
Sincerely,
The Ohio Environmental Health Association Board of Directors