NACCHO staff will present on a variety of topics at the upcoming National Environmental Health Association’s (NEHA’s) Annual Educational Conference and Exhibition happening on June 13-16, 2016 in San Antonio. The conference, at which NACCHO is a partner, provides environmental health training, education, and networking opportunities for attendees.
NACCHO staff will contribute their expertise to two main conference tracks, including: Food Safety and Defense, and Recreational Waters.
NACCHO sessions include:
Defending the Dinner Table: Overcoming Barriers to Effective Threat Communication
Date/ Time: June 14, 2016 at 8:00-8:20 AM CT
The food and agricultural sector is a critical part of the nation’s infrastructure. Without effective threat communication between government entities and private stakeholders there is a tremendous risk to homeland security. NACCHO has recently completed a comprehensive investigation into the existing barriers and gaps in sector threat communication. Through the findings of this study, sector specific recommendations have been drafted to help lessen the risk to national security.
Help Cracking the Code: Model Aquatic Health Code Speed Mentoring Session
Date/ Time: June 14, 2016 at 3:30-4:50 PM CT
This Learning Session will offer speed mentoring opportunities and foster discussion among Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) subject matter experts and conference participants. Whether participants are seeking advice on MAHC implementation or simply want to learn more about the MAHC and recreational water safety, this is the place for them. Attendees will visit four stations: MAHC Implementation Support, CMAHC 101, Adoption Stories from the Field, and MAHC Inspector Training and Data Use. At each station, representatives from the field or organizations such as CDC, CMAHC, and NACCHO will lead discussions and answer participant questions.
Making the Grade: Exploration of Retail Food Establishment Scoring and Grade Systems
Date/ Time: June 14, 2016 at 4:00-4:50 PM CT
Retail food establishment scoring, grading, and placarding systems vary between states and may even vary between counties in the same state. Little is known about their prevalence or impact. NACCHO, with the support from the FDA, conducted research to better understand scoring, grading, and placarding systems across the country. This session will inform participants about these systems’ prevalence, use, composition, successes, and shortcomings. Attendees will be empowered with information that can improve the development and implementation of scoring, grading, and placarding systems.
Pushing Through the Hurdles: Advice to Meet the FDA Retail Program Standards
Date/ Time: June 16, 2016 at 8:00-9:30 AM CT
Recognizing the important role that local health departments play in preventing and responding to foodborne disease outbreaks, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a cooperative agreement with NACCHO to promote the Voluntary National Retail Food Regulatory Program Standards (Retail Program Standards). This hands-on learning lab will provide attendees with information on how they can use the Standards to enhance uniformity and quality of their inspection program while improving the level of service to their stakeholders.
To view the full list of conference sessions, click here.
