Narrator: Water is essential to all known forms of life, and the demand for it is ever-increasing.
Maintain a reliable supply of safe, clean drinking water is a continual challenge that
profoundly impacts our society -- from the health of individuals and ecosystems, to the
state of our economy.
More than a billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water.
As public health professionals, we need to explore solutions to these, and other challenges,
to protect our resources, our health, and our world.
This is the American Public Health Association’s 137th Annual Meeting and Exposition: The year’s
best forum for the public health community to come together, embrace opportunities for
change, and truly make a difference.
Philadelphia has long played a major leadership role in water sanitation and public health,
making it the perfect environment for this year’s theme: Water and Public Health: The
21st Century Challenge.
Home to the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Liberty Bell, along
with Fairmont Waterworks and many other firsts, Philadelphia is steep in history and symbolic
importance for all Americans.
This meeting provides keys to enhance your knowledge and exchange information with over
a thousand scientific sessions, round tables, poster sessions, and other educational opportunities.
More than 650 booths of up-to-the-minute information, products, and services await you at the APHA
Public Health Expo.
It’s also a great place to meet and greet fellow attendees.
Our opening speakers today are: Dr. Mirta Roses Periago, Director of the Pan American
Health Organization; Lisa Jackson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency; and
Environmental Ambassador, Celine Cousteau, daughter of Jean-Michel and granddaughter
of the legendary Jacques Cousteau.
Wednesday’s closing general session features a groundbreaking discussion featuring the
current debate on health system reform with: Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health,
Office of Health and Human Services; Dr. Mary Wakefield, Administrator of the Health Resources
and Services Administration; and Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Director of the Indian Health
Service.
For pure entertainment and fun, don’t miss tonight’s special event: The Sounds of Philadelphia,
an amazing musical review highlighting the city’s classic music, rich history, and
local culture.
Celebrate the achievements of your colleagues Tuesday at the Public Health Awards Reception
and Ceremony, and when you’re looking for a quiet place to meet friends, check email,
or just relax, head to the mix and mingle lounge on the Arch Street Bridge.
Don’t forget to enjoy the sights and sounds of Philadelphia while you’re here, famous
as the birthplace of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Philly offers countless
cultural, historical, culinary, and artistic treasures throughout the city and the surrounding
areas.
You won’t want to miss such attractions as beautiful Fairmont Park, the Philadelphia
Museum of Art, Rittenhouse Square, and South Street with some 300 eclectic shops and restaurants.
And of course, there’s Independence National Park, America’s most historic square mile,
with the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
With such an inspirational backdrop, this meeting is the perfect time and place to come
together with fellow professionals, learn what can be done to protect our water and
other precious resources, and renew your commitment to public health.
Welcome to Philadelphia, the APHA’s 2009 Annual Meeting and Exposition.
It’s time to face the challenges of the 21st century, now.