Washington, D.C. – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) announced today that it has adopted a resolution to support Critical Roles and Needs of the Health Education Workforce.

The resolution, which was passed by the SOPHE Board of Trustees, is a “Call for increased funding and support of Health Education Specialists.” It directly supports SOPHE’s mission to support leaders in health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe.

“Public health specialists are so incredibly vital to our society,” SOPHE President Dr. Leonard Jack, Jr. said. “Health education specialists play a critical role in developing and delivering health communication, strengthening communities, organizing partnerships, engaging communities, providing training, and more. The SOPHE Board of Trustees affirms the imperative role health education specialists play in improving the nation’s health.” 

The resolution calls for internal actions, including prioritizing SOPHE funding and support for scholarships, mentoring and other workforce development training; including strategic plan measures to track efforts to diversify the health education workforce; and distributing the resolution to state, federal and professional organizations. It also calls for external actions, including advocating for increased appropriations; advocating to philanthropies and other NGOs; and recommending employers provide time off for continued education.

“Among SOPHE’s core values is responding to the needs of its members, demonstrating integrity, accountability and transparency, and embracing diversity,” SOPHE CEO Dr. William Datema said. “We feel very strongly that this resolution directly aligns with our values and supports the entire profession.”

“The public health profession finds itself at difficult crossroad,” Jack, Jr. said. “SOPHE’S newly released resolution brings attention to the urgent need for increased funding and support of health education specialists.”

SOPHE remains dedicated to promoting and advancing the expertise and impact of health education. As a membership organization, SOPHE works with its members and partners to impact health through the skills and capacities of health education and health promotion.

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About SOPHE

The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit association that supports leaders in public health, health education and promotion to advance healthy and equitable communities across the globe. SOPHE members work in health care settings, communities, organizations, schools, universities, worksites, and in local, state and federal government agencies. For more information visit www.sophe.org.