HLTH 361: Health Communication: Internet Sources

Through advocacy, research and education, ACHA stands at the forefront of issues that impact the health and wellness of our college students. ACHA represents over 1,100 institutions of higher education, representing the collective health and wellness needs of 10 million college students. ACHA serves nearly 3,000 individual college health and wellness professionals and leaders of all disciplines united together to advance the health and wellness of college students.

The American Public Health Association (APHA) is a large organization that spans a multitude of providers in public health, including physicians, nurses, health care administrators, health educators, psychologists, and pharmacists. Due to its size, APHA has influence over federal policy regarding the health and well-being of all populations and all individuals. APHA tackles an array of health-related issues, from climate change to nutrition, through scientific studies published in their pee-reviewed publications and advocacy efforts.

The American School Health Association (ASHA) is a vital organization for practitioners in school health. Health educators, physical education teachers, counselors, nurses, and administrators are among the providers represented by ASHA’s membership. The mission of ASHA is to create an environment in every school in which every student can learn and succeed.

ASPPH is the voice of accredited academic public health, representing schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). (Their) mission is to strengthen the capacity of members by advancing leadership, excellence, and collaboration for academic public health. (Their) members are CEPH-accredited schools and programs of public health as well as schools and programs in applicant status for CEPH-accreditation.

Eta Sigma Gamma (ESG) is the national health education honorary society. Individual chapters in universities across the country provide extra-curricular education, research, and service opportunities to health education majors at the undergraduate and graduate level to maintain high standards of the discipline. As of September 2015, Salisbury University is home to the Epsilon Xi chapter of ESG. Students lead this chapter with the assistance of a faculty mentor. ESG membership provides access to student scholarships, networking at professional conferences, opportunities to publish in ESG’s peer-reviewed journals, and a multitude of service endeavors.

The National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) is the organization in charge of creating and maintaining excellence in the health education workplace and professional preparation of health educators. NCHEC is home to the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) exam, which is becoming the gold standard for a qualified health educator in any setting. Some states and individual employers have mandated their health educators be CHES certified. The Community Health program at Salisbury University prepares students to successfully take and pass the CHES exam. NCHEC is a great resource for study guides, exam information, and CE opportunities.

The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is emerging as the leading "home-base" organization for Health Educators in all settings, such as government, non-profit, university, work-site, elementary and secondary schools, and health care. SOPHE's annual meetings allow members to network with leaders, scholars, students, and practitioners, as well as provide an opportunity to earn CE credits for certifications like CHES. SOPHE's three peer-reviewed journals provide access to cutting-edge scientific exploration, professional practice, and pedagogy.

SHAPE America offers an array of programs, products, and services for the health educator in a school setting including elementary, middle school and high school.

Trust for America’s Health (TFAH) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that promotes optimal health for every person and community and makes the prevention of illness and injury a national priority. TFAH works with traditional and new partners on high impact health issues. (They) report on and recommend evidence-based programs and policies that make prevention and health equity foundational to health and community systems at all levels of society.

WHO's primary role is to direct international health within the United Nations' system and to lead partners in global health responses.