Training Opportunities for Environmental Public Health Professionals in Florida

Florida Statutes require Florida Department of Health Environmental Public Health Professionals working in the Food Hygiene and Onsite Sewage program to hold college degrees, as well as pass competency examinations and earn continuing education units.  Approximately 1,100 individuals currently hold this credential.  A number of staff have also earned their Registered Sanitarian credentials through either the National Environmental Health Association or Florida Environmental Health Association.

Environmental Health Professionals must keep their knowledge current if they are to be effectively prepared for and respond to today's challenges.  Registered Sanitarians as well as Florida Department of Health Certified Environmental Health Professionals are required attend ongoing training in order to earn a minimum number of continuing education hours in order to renew their professional credentials.

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July

July 24, Gainesville
Avian Influenza Response Training
Strike Team training for avian influenza response will target Epidemiology and Environmental Health strike teams as well as other local responders, such as city or county emergency managers and animal services.  The sessions are planned for 1 day each at two different sites; a full on-line program is also in development.  Facilitators will include representatives from FDOH, FDACS, USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The training is modeled after a national CDC led interagency exercise.  The format will include on-line Breeze presentations prior to the on-site training, and lectures with interdisciplinary group exercises on the day of the training.   Travel funds are available, please contact Danielle Stanek for information, (850) 245-4277.
This training has been approved for 6.5 CEUs for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

July 25, Miami
IFIRST2 - Intermediate Field Response & Surveillance Training 2
This program is designed to develop the knowledge, skills, and abilities for disease investigations associated with Anthrax and Plague. Public health workers and their community partners, who may be deployed on Field Epidemiology Strike Teams, will be better equipped to assist local, regional, state, and national epidemiology staff in anthrax and plague investigations during surge capacity. Click here for more information.

July 27 - August 1, Orlando
2008 Florida Public Health Association Annual Educational Conference
Join FPHA at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate for their annual conference. Visit their meeting website for more information.

July 28, Naples
FIRST - Field Response & Surveillance Training
This course was developed to help public health staff who may be called upon to assist epidemiology staff during a surge capacity event. It is designed to help public health workers develop the abilities needed to assist in epidemiology investigations at times when staff capacity is overburdened.  Click here for more information.

July 29-30, Orlando
Radiological Incident Response Strike Team Training
This training will be held at 6101 Lake Ellenor Drive.  For more information, contact David Pieski, (407) 297-2096.
This two day training has been approved for 18.5 CEUs (9.5 for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August

August 1-2, Orlando
FOWA 2008 Convention & Trade Show
Join the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association at the Caribe Royale Hotel.  Learn more about this opportunity at the convention website.
This two-day training has been approved for 8 CEUs (4 each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August 3-6, Columbus, OH
International Association for Food Protection 95th Annual Meeting
With a reputation for quality content, the Annual Meeting features over 500 technical papers, posters and symposia, detailing current information on a variety of topics relating to food safety. The quantity and quality of contributed presentations provide information on the latest methods and technologies available.  Click here to learn more.

August 5, Merritt Island
Avian Influenza Response Training
Strike Team training for avian influenza response will target Epidemiology and Environmental Health strike teams as well as other local responders, such as city or county emergency managers and animal services.  The sessions are planned for 1 day each at two different sites; a full on-line program is also in development.  Facilitators will include representatives from FDOH, FDACS, USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. The training is modeled after a national CDC led interagency exercise.  The format will include on-line Breeze presentations prior to the on-site training, and lectures with interdisciplinary group exercises on the day of the training.   Travel funds are available, please contact Danielle Stanek for information, (850) 245-4277.
This training has been approved for 6.5 CEUs for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August 5-7, Orlando
Epi-Ready Team Training: Foodborne Illness Response Strategies
This training will be held at the Florida Hotel and Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando.  Contact Tracy Wade for more information, (850) 245-4127.
This training has been approved for 17.5 CEUs (total) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals (Tuesday 7, Wednesday 7.25, Thursday 7.25 hours).

August 11-15, Palm Beach Gardens
Florida Environmental Health Association’s 60th Annual Education Meeting and Trade Show
This meeting will be held at the PGA National Resort and Spa.  It is designed to educate and inform people who have an interest or career in environmental health and protection, as well as to build contacts, exchange information, and discover new and practical solutions to environmental issues. Visit this site for more information.

August 12, Palm Beach Gardens
Risk and Crisis Communication: Principles and Techniques for Communicating Effectively About High Concern Environmental Health Issues
Don’t miss this training, planned for the pre-conference during the Florida Environmental Health Association’s Annual Education Meeting in August at the PGA National Resort and Spa, 400 Avenue of the Champions.  The trainer is a nationally known expert in the field of communicating risk, Vince Covello.  Dr. Covello serves as the Center for Risk Communication Director and is a pioneer in the development and use of advanced communication methods based on decades of university-level behavioral-science research and practice. One of the most important keys to communication success is the ability to establish, maintain, and increase trust and credibility with employees, other agencies, citizen groups, and especially the public and the media. This training will focus on preparing participants to communicate effectively about high concern environmental health issues.  It will be provided as an intensive one-day workshop (8:30am-3pm) and will employ a combination of lecture material and activity-based learning. Training will offer an opportunity for you to tailor learning about risk communication to a specific problem, whether one you are currently dealing with or are anticipating for the future.  Registration fee is $75, which includes breaks and lunch. Training is limited to 50 participants, so be sure to keep checking the FEHA website at: www.feha.org for more information regarding when registration for the training will open!

August 14-15, Gainesville
Soils for Professionals
This exclusive training program focuses on the functions of soils in the environment. These functions include soil as a medium for plant productivity, a regular for water supply, recycler of waste material, a habitat for organisms including humans, and as an engineering medium. Presentations will be on general occurrence, distribution and morphology, along with their physical, chemical, mineralogical and biological characteristics.  For more information, click here.
This two-day training has been approved for 12 CEUs for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August 18-22, Polk City
Onsite Sewage Programs Accelerated Certification Training
Onsite Sewage Programs Accelerated Certification Training will be held for those seeking certification or needing CEUs at the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association training center.  The breakdown of the coursework in this training is: 2 days of Basic Florida Soils (13 CEUs), 1.5 days of System Design (9.5 CEUs), and 1.5 days of System Materials and Regulatory Standards (7.5 CEUs).  These courses are mandatory for individuals desiring to become DOH Certified Environmental Health Professionals in Onsite Sewage.  CEHPs and Registered Sanitarians employed by DOH may take the courses as a refresher at no cost. Contact Dr. Sonia Cruz at (407) 317-7325 for registration details.
This training has been approved for 30 CEUs (total) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August 20, Jacksonville
Body Piercing Training
This 1/2 day training will be held at the Duval County Health Department, 900 University Blvd. N., Jacksonville, in the 2nd floor conference room.  Contact Cheryl Ellis for more information, at (904) 253-2572.  [Check this site for additional body piercing training contacts.]

August 20, Ft. Myers
OSTDS Advanced Education Course
This training is hosted by the Gulf Coast District of the Florida Environmental Health Association.  It will be held at Terry Park 3406 Palm Beach Boulevard, Ft. Myers.

August 20-21, Ft. Myers
Radiological Incident Response Strike Team Training
This training will be held at 2295 Victoria Avenue.  For more information, contact David Pieski, (407) 297-2096.
This two day training has been approved for 18.5 CEUs (9.5 for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

August 23-24, Gainesville
Short Course: Karst Hydrogeology in Florida with Special Focus on the Santa Fe River Basin
This two-day course will cover the basic concepts and physical characteristics that differentiate karst hydrogeology from traditional porous media. Day-one will be a field trip to key karst hydrogeologic features in or near the Santa Fe River Basin including, Payne’s Prairie, Devil’s Millhopper and a canoe trip down the Santa Fe river, plus a discussion of field-based approaches to characterization and effective resource management of Karstic watersheds. Day-two will be classroom lecture format and will provide an overview of practical methods for karst aquifer characterization and examples of both theory and application from work performed in the Santa Fe River Basin of North Central Florida.  Visit the course website for more information.

August 27-28, Daytona Beach
Annual Septic Training Course: Design, Permitting, and System Installation
This training, hosted by the Halifax District of the Florida Environmental Health Association, will take place at the Volusia County Health Department Conference Room 516-C, 1845 Holsonback Drive, Daytona Beach.  For more information, visit the Halifax District website or contact Brian Volkman, (386) 775-5247.

August 28-29, Tallahassee
Radiological Incident Response Strike Team Training
This training will be held at 4042 Bald Cypress Way, in Room 301.  For more information, contact David Pieski, (407) 297-2096.
This two day training has been approved for 18.5 CEUs (9.5 for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

September

September 17-18, Ft. Myers
Radiological Incident Response Strike Team Training
This training will be held at 2295 Victoria Avenue.  For more information, contact David Pieski, (407) 297-2096.
This two day training has been approved for 18.5 CEUs (9.5 for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

  September 23-25, Gainesville
The Hydric Soils Short Course - Specialized Training for Wetland Specialists
This exclusive training program focuses on the interrelations of hydrology and hydric soils and how to distinguish hydric soils from nonhydric soils.  Click here for more information.  Direct questions to Wade Hurt, at whurt@ufl.edu.

September 25, Lake City
2008 Soil Texturing and Field Documentation
This training is hosted by the Suwannee River District of the Florida Environmental Health Association.  For more information, please contact Mark Lander, (386) 758-1058.
This training has been approved for 6 CEUs for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

October

October 1-2, Homosassa
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

October 7-8, Jacksonville
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

October 13-17, Polk City - CANCELLED
Onsite Sewage Programs Accelerated Certification Training

October 14-15, Gilchrist and Dixie Counties
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

October 16-17, Orlando
14th Annual Florida Remediation Conference
Join over 400 soil and groundwater cleanup professionals at this event in Orlando.  For additional information, contact Mike Eastman at (407) 671-7777.

October 20-22, Destin
Air Sampling for Toxic Substances
This training is sponsored by Deep South Center for Occupational Health & Safety, Pelican Beach Resort, Destin, FL. For more information, contact Gigi Talley, GTalley@ms.soph.uab.edu.

October 20-24, Destin
Fundamentals of Industrial Hygiene
This training is sponsored by Deep South Center for Occupational Health & Safety, Pelican Beach Resort, Destin, FL. For more information, contact Gigi Talley, GTalley@ms.soph.uab.edu.

October 21-22, Panama City
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

  October 21-23, Gainesville
The Hydric Soils Short Course - Specialized Training for Wetland Specialists
This exclusive training program focuses on the interrelations of hydrology and hydric soils and how to distinguish hydric soils from nonhydric soils.  Click here for more information.  Direct questions to Wade Hurt, at whurt@ufl.edu.

October 23-24, Pensacola
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

October 26-28, St. Petersburg Beach
2008 Florida Brownfields Conference
The Florida State Brownfields Conference is a unique venue that brings together the many interests of a diverse group which includes all stakeholders, from property owners to developers, concerned citizens, Local, State, and Federal agency representatives, land planners, regulatory experts, community leaders, legal experts, financial and insurance industry representatives, and environmental specialists who are deeply affected by and involved in redevelopment of Florida's Brownfields. The involvement of all of these participants makes the conference experience exceptional and very educational.  Visit the conference website for or review the agenda more information.
This training has been approved for 32 CEUs (total) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals (Sunday 0, Monday 5.5, Tuesday 5.5).

October 26-30, San Antonio, TX
International Water Conference
The IWC is the world’s premier conference for understanding and dealing with the technical and business challenges of industrial water treatment. IWC presents the latest in scientific advances and practical applications in this field, cutting across a wide range of industries and functional areas.  Click here for more information.

November

November 7-8, Miami
Bioterrorism: Mass Prophylaxis Preparedness and Planning
This training, offered by the USA Center for Rural Public Health Preparedness at the School of Rural Public Health, Texas A&M Health Science Center and Texas Engineering Extension Service/National Emergency Response and Rescue Training Center, is designed to enhance jurisdiction preparedness and emergency response efforts by developing (or revising) a plan addressing an all hazards approach towards mass prophylaxis.  For more information, contact Rose Ann Elmore at (979) 458-6955 or at RoseAnn.Elmore@teexmail.tamu.edu.
This two day training has been approved for 16 CEUs for each day) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

November 18 -20, Tampa
SETAC North America 29th Annual Meeting
The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) invites you to attend their 29th annual meeting.  This year's theme is Environmental Stewardship: Integrating Science and Management. Visit the meeting website for more information.

  November 18-20, Gainesville
The Hydric Soils Short Course - Specialized Training for Wetland Specialists
This exclusive training program focuses on the interrelations of hydrology and hydric soils and how to distinguish hydric soils from nonhydric soils.  Click here for more information.  Direct questions to Wade Hurt, at whurt@ufl.edu.

November 30 - December 4, Orlando
FSAWWA Fall Conference
The Florida Section of the American Water Works Association (FSAWWA) and the Manufacturers Advisory Council invite you to attend the 2008 Fall Conference November 30 through December 4 in Orlando, Florida. The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld hosts this year's conference.  Click here for more information.

December

December 8-12, Polk City
Onsite Sewage Programs Accelerated Certification Training
Onsite Sewage Programs Accelerated Certification Training will be held for those seeking certification or needing CEUs at the Florida Onsite Wastewater Association training center.  The breakdown of the coursework in this training is: 2 days of Basic Florida Soils (13 CEUs), 1.5 days of System Design (9.5 CEUs), and 1.5 days of System Materials and Regulatory Standards (7.5 CEUs).  These courses are mandatory for individuals desiring to become DOH Certified Environmental Health Professionals in Onsite Sewage.  CEHPs and Registered Sanitarians employed by DOH may take the courses as a refresher at no cost. Contact Ed Barranco at (850) 245-4070 for registration details.
This training has been approved for 30 CEUs (total) for Certified Environmental Health Professionals.

Review previously listed 2007 or 2008 training sessions

2009

February

February 23-24, Safety Harbor
National Ground Water Association's 5th Conference on Hydrogeology, Ecology, Monitoring, and Management of GW in Karst Terrains
NGWA's 5th Conference is designed to bring together engineers, scientists, regulators, researchers, and students from around the world so all may better understand the science and management of ground water in karst terrains. For more information, click here.

May

May 7-9, Orlando
Florida Ground Water Association 2009 Convention and Trade Show
Details will be posted on the FGWA website as they become available.  For more information, email meghan@executiveoffice.org.

June

June 21-14, Atlanta
NEHA Annual Education Conference and Exhibition
Visit the National Environmental Health Association website for additional information.

August

August 26-29, Hollywood
AWT Annual Convention and Exhibition
Visit the Association of Water Technologies website for more information.