Toward a National Environmental Health Communication Network and Data Repository

Mel Knight, REHSChairman, Americas Region, IFEH

MALEHA – September 2012

Toward a National Environmental Health Communication Network

and Data Repository

Unleashing the power of “We”By definition, ‘We’ will always have greater

knowledge and power than “I”Networking multiplies our opportunities to

share ideas, experiences and solutionsData sharing enhances the quantity and

quality of environmental health program information

Networking Opportunities Professional Associations (MEHA,

NEHA, APHA etc.)Focused confederations (MALEHA,

NCLEHA, other state/regional groups) National workgroups and task forces

(FDA, CDC, EPA etc.)Public/private collaboration (CFP)

Value of a Data RepositoryLarger numbers are more significant

than smaller numbersUseful for determining norms and

trendsEnvironmental health issues rarely

reside in a single political/geographic jurisdiction

Value to researchers, academicians and private sector

Realizing Technological GainsComputerized inspection reportingGPS/GIS toolsWeb based information sharing and disclosurePaperless files with OCRSmartphone applicationsVirtual inspections and telemetry

Challenges of Technology

Information overloadHyper accessibilityQuality controlExposes problemsSignificant financial investmentExtensive training required

Technology UtilizationAllows for ‘pulling’ in addition to ‘pushing’ dataMobile access provides for efficiency and safetyAutomated searches for trends and normsHighlighting problems can accelerate finding

solutionsReturn on investment (ROI) improving with

technology price dropsA modern workforce demands capacity and access

to technology

MALEHA leadership opportunity to:- Commission studies/research

- Pool data- Allow/enable data mining

- Collaborate with Universities/researchers

Mel Knight, REHSmelknight@sbcglobal.net