Learn About VtPHA..

Our History:

In May 2000, there was an initial organizational meeting to assess the interest of forming a public health association in Vermont. At the time, Vermont was the only state in the country without an association that was an affiliate of the American Public Health Association.

In September 2000, there was a meeting attended by staff from APHA, and the President of the Maine PHA, as a representative of the NEPHA. APHA offered staff support to Vermont in its organizing efforts.

The Vermont Public Health Association was incorporated as a non-profit organization in April 2002.

In November 2002, at the APHA Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, Bob Costantino, VtPHA President, was invited to give a welcome at the opening session of the APHA Annual Meeting. Gov. Howard Dean was the keynote speaker at the meeting. It was at the beginning of his Presidential campaign. Vermont was officially voted in as an affiliate of APHA by the Governing Council the following day. There was then an APHA affiliate in every state.

VtPHA obtained 501c3 status in 2003 and held its first Annual Meeting in April 2003 that year.

Statement of Purpose:

The Vermont Public Health Association is a statewide membership organization that seeks to positively influence the health of all Vermonters and provide an important voice on public health issues at the national, state and local levels.

Working through its membership, the Association:

• Advocates for policies that improve the public’s health;
• Provides a public forum for discussion and dissemination of information that concern policy and practice;
• Organizes educational programs to increase the knowledge and skills of it’s membership;
• Collaborates with health professionals, health organizations and the educational community.

Learn more about becoming a member of the VtPHA.