SOPHE’s newest chapter launches in the Midwest

WASHINGTON – November 22, 2017 – The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) announces the designation of its newest chapter, Midwest SOPHE. The Midwest Chapter will serve health educators in Kansas and Missouri. The chapter joins National SOPHE members and those in 22 other chapters that comprise nearly 4,000 health education specialists throughout the United States and many international countries.

“The Midwest SOPHE chapter will serve health educators in the middle of the country with much needed collaborative and networking opportunities, relevant continuing education options, and a vibrant voice in valuing, supporting, and empowering the role of health educators and health promoters. Our inaugural executive committee is eager, passionate, and committed to provide a solid foundation for a lasting Midwest Chapter.”

Janis Ellis-Claypool, MS, Midwest SOPHE President

SOPHE chapters provide vital “boots on the ground” connections to health educators working in schools, health care, worksites, community organizations, and state and local government. As affiliates of the only independent professional association focused solely on health education,

SOPHE chapters are also critical to the organization’s policy advocacy efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. The Midwest SOPHE chapter will promote and advocate for the field of health education, partnering with other state and local health and education organizations dedicated to improving the public’s health.

“National SOPHE enthusiastically welcomes the newly designated Midwest SOPHE Chapter. We look forward to collaborating with members of the Midwest SOPHE Chapter and implementing strategies to promote healthy behaviors, schools, communities, and environments!”

Elaine Auld, MPH, MCHES, SOPHE’s Chief Executive Officer

SOPHE members interesting in joining Midwest SOPHE should visit https://www.facebook.com/SOPHEMidwest/ or contact: Janis Ellis-Claypool at

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