Oregon Environmental
Health Association
What is OEHA?
The Oregon Environmental Health Association (OEHA) supports the advancement of environmental health professionals for the purpose of providing a healthful environment for all. The Oregon Environmental Health Association consists of environmental health professionals working in a variety of fields throughout the state of Oregon. We are associated with local health departments, the Oregon Department of Agriculture, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Association, as well as other government agencies, educational institutions and private industry.
The forerunner of the Oregon Environmental Health Association was founded in 1941 and is currently an affiliate of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA).
Originally founded as the Oregon Association of Sanitarians (OAS) in 1941, the Oregon group became affiliated with the National Association of Sanitarians (NAS) in 1946. In 1970, both the OAS and NAS adopted the name Environmental Health Association.
The Oregon Environmental Health Association (OEHA) is a registered 501(c)6 tax exempt organization with EIN #: 23-7051708. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 3724, Hillsboro, Oregon 97123. OEHA has earned the GuideStar Non-Profit Silver Seal of Transparency for 2023.
As Environmental Health Specialists, our public health expertise and interests include:
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Drinking Water Quality
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Private Wells
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Water Treatment
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Food Safety Education, Consultation and Inspection
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Swimming Pool and Spa Safety
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Lead and Radiation
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Recreational Waters
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Onsite Water Treatment Systems
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Public Health Modernization
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Land Reuse
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Air Quality and Environmental Noise
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Solid and Hazardous Waste Management
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Vector Control and Pest Control
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Radiation Protection
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Occupational Safety and Health
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Housing Sanitation
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Emergency Response and Preparedness
Want to join the OEHA Board?
The Oregon Environmental Health Association (OEHA) has several board positions opening in 2025. Positions will be voted in at the 2025 AEC. Toss your hat in the ring and see how rewarding being an OEHA Board member can be!
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President-elect - available in 2025
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Member of the Board of Directors
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Chair of the Conference Planning Committee
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Mentors the Vice President on the duties of the President-Elect
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Other duties as assigned by the President
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This is an elected position
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Once elected, the President Elect is expected to serve in succession as President and then Past President
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Vice President - available in 2025
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Member of the Board of Directors
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Vice Chair of the Conference Planning Committee
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Other duties as assigned by the President
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Two-year term beginning on even numbered years
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This is an elected position
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Succession to President-Elect is not automatic
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Treasurer - available in 2025
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Member of the Board of Directors,
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Shall have charge of all funds of the Association, and
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Shall report the financial condition of the Association to the Board of Directors at each regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting and at the Annual Business Meeting
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Annually reviews the organization's revenues and expenditures, balance sheet, investments and other matters related to its continued solvency
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Develop the annual budget and submit it to the full Board for approval
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The term of Treasurer shall be two years beginning on odd numbered years
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This is an elected position
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Regional Representatives: Coordinate social and/or educational events for folks in their region.
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SW Region (3-year term, available in 2025)
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Mid-Willamette Region (3-year term, available in 2025)
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OEHA has enabled Environmental Health Specialists to pool their resources, expertise, connections, and experience, to promote a unified voice for public health. Our association's primary direction has been in support of continuing education opportunities. Central to OEHA's activities isthe Annual Education Conference and Regional Meet-ups. These draw a majority of our members, as well as many individuals from the community, for sessions on a wide variety of public health topics and to take action on association business.
We have close ties with the EHS Registration Board, participate on rule committees, provide public education, testify on legislative measures, and provide financial support to college students and international public health activities. One of the many accomplishments of the Oregon Environmental Health Association is the public recognition that Environmental Health professionals receive through the Oregon Annual Environmental Health Specialist Day Declaration by the Governor of the State of Oregon.
The Oregon Environmental Health Association divides its membership into four regions, the Northwest Region, Mid-Willamette Region, Southwest Region and Eastern Region. Each region is assigned a Regional Director, who serves as a regional contact and coordinator of meet-ups and regional events.
OEHA has dozens of members from across the state of Oregon, including Active Members, Trainees, and Retirees. We also maintain an Interest List of 500+ individuals from various agencies and organizations, including local public health departments, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon Health Authority, Department of Environmental Quality, Oregon State University and health care professionals.
OEHA's Board of Directors includes five Executive Board members and four Regional Directors. We hold an Annual Education Conference annually, which features speakers from academia, industry and government agencies, tabletop exercises, and multiple interest tracks that are industry-specific. Multiple times a year, we send out an e-blast that includes topics such as Environmental Health news, Save the Dates for upcoming conferences and opportunities to earn CEUs, Internships, award nominations, legislative updates, positions to serve and contribute to the profession, and employment openings.
We also send out Newsletters that feature conferences and regional events, historical Environmental Health topics, articles honoring retirees, highlights of member accomplishments, and trending topics. We offer a REHS Trainee Study Group that meets weekly via Zoom, offering Trainees from across the state a chance to network and study together in preparation for the REHS Exam. Join us as we build, sustain, and empower an effective environmental health workforce in the state of Oregon!