Sunday's Have You Heard

Launch!: Join your fellow public health fans in Hall C of the Pennsylvania Convention Center for the Opening Session of APHA’s 137th Annual Meeting. Plus, we’ve got some new speakers for ya. In addition to famed ocean explorer Celine Cousteau and Pan American Health Organization Director Mirta Roses Periago, we’ve got newly confirmed U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson. And immediately following what is sure to be an inspirational kick-off, will be the opening of the Public Health Expo (read: free goodies!).

Expo-licious: Because who’s not interested in free goodies? Pile on into the Public Health Expo, which opens after the Opening Session in Exhibit Hall A/B of the convention center, and peruse hundreds of booths, from schools of public health to federal and state health agencies to public health-related vendors and non-profits. And don’t miss Everything APHA, located in the center of the expo (I know — shameless self-promotion, right? But it’s a fabulous resource, offering all the information you ever wanted about APHA, a chance to meet APHA staff, opportunities to meet potential employers via APHA’s Public Health CareerMart, and of course, the place to go for APHA merchandise, publications, books, and much more. Trust me — it’s definitely worth a swing-by.)

Get a grip: Feeling a tad overwhelmed as you were handed a meeting program the size of a small phonebook? Eyes glazing over as you try to focus in on one of hundreds of scientific sessions? Disappointed that you may not get to indulge in all of your public health passions in just four days? Take a breather and get organized at the APHA Member Orientation for the Annual Meeting, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in 111B of the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Peace be with you: Need a remedy for first-day weariness? Carve out a moment of personal reflection at the Celebrating the Spirit of APHA Interfaith Celebration, sponsored by APHA’s Caucus on Public Health and the Faith Community, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Franklin 1 of the Marriott Hotel. The event features moments of reflections from a variety of faiths, including Wicca, Bahai and Rastafarianism.