MPHA members will have an opportunity to consider for adoption two policy resolutions at the annual business meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. Please take a moment to read through each resolution prior to the annual business meeting.

Purpose
Policy resolutions serve as the basis for establishing advocacy positions, priorities, and actions that are reflected in the Association’s annual legislative agenda. All policy resolutions are considered and approved by a vote of the membership. A policy resolution incorporates the best possible data-supported evidence and calls for a series of actions to address the public health policy issue.

Process
Lead authors researched a specific policy issue, prepared a draft resolution, and submitted the resolution the Policy and Advocacy Committee. The Committee members reviewed the resolution to determine its relevance to the work of MPHA. The lead authors revised the resolution based on the input and critique of Committee members. Additionally, each resolution was reviewed by one or more individuals with recognized expertise in the subject matter.

The Executive Committee reviewed the draft resolutions and provided feedback for incorporation into the revision process. Following final review, a majority of Governing Council members voted to recommend that the following two resolutions be forwarded to the membership for consideration of adoption at the annual business meeting. The resolutions are as follows:

Resolution No. 1:  Addressing Public Health Concerns Regarding New Tobacco and Nicotine Products

Resolution No. 2: Emergency Preparedness to Protect Public Health