Transcript Navigating the Future by Learning from ‘Best Practices’ of

Mel Knight, REHS
Chairman, Americas Region, IFEH
MALEHA – September 2012
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 solutions
 Data 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 Repository
 Larger numbers are more significant
than smaller numbers
 Useful for determining norms and
trends
 Environmental health issues rarely
reside in a single political/geographic
jurisdiction
 Value to researchers, academicians and
private sector
Realizing Technological
Gains
 Computerized inspection reporting
 GPS/GIS tools
 Web based information sharing and disclosure
 Paperless files with OCR
 Smartphone applications
 Virtual inspections and telemetry
Challenges of
Technology
 Information overload
 Hyper accessibility
 Quality control
 Exposes problems
 Significant financial investment
 Extensive training required
Technology Utilization
 Allows for ‘pulling’ in addition to ‘pushing’ data
 Mobile access provides for efficiency and safety
 Automated searches for trends and norms
 Highlighting problems can accelerate finding
solutions
 Return on investment (ROI) improving with
technology price drops
 A 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, REHS
 [email protected]