Eighth annual New Mexico Environmental Health Conference. (NEHA News).

In 1996 the New Mexico Environmental Health Association formed a partnership with a number of environmental health agencies in New Mexico and the local chapters of several other professional associations. Each year, this partnership organizes and conducts a large environmental health conference. Many organizations, agencies, and private companies also help sponsor this effort. The number-one goal is to provide the very best education and training for environmental health professionals at the lowest possible registration cost. A second goal is to provide a forum where individuals from the public and private sectors can meet, get to know each other, and form partnerships to solve the environmental health problems of communities. Both goals have been met in a spectacular fashion, and the New Mexico Environmental Health Conference (NMEHC) has grown into one of the largest in the country

The 2003 NMEHC, which will be held October 20-22 at the Sheraton Old Town Hotel in Albuquerque, is expected to attract over 600 participants. Among those attending will be professionals from all levels of government, private businesses, educational institutions, and the national laboratories, as well as tribal and community leaders, over 100 presenters, and 70 or more exhibitors, The major environmental health topics-air quality, water resources, food safety and protection, waste management, and vector control-will be addressed in four concurrent tracks of educational sessions. The tracks are as follows:

* Environmental Health Innovations,

* Community Health Protection,

* Emergency & Disaster Management, and

* New Areas of Environmental Interest.

In addition, six special certification short courses will be given, as well as R.E.H.SIR.S., C.F.S.P, and C.E.H.T. credentialing exams. The conference also will feature nationally known keynote speakers, exhibits, luncheons, and drawings for valuable prizes.

For members of any NEHA, Air and Waste Management Association, or American Water Resources Association affiliate, registration fees are as follows:

* full three-day registration: $130 ($165 after September 30, 2003) or

* one-day registration: $75 ($100 after September 30, 2003). Nonmember registration fees are as follows:

* full three-day registration: $160 ($195 after September 30, 2003) or

* one-day registration: $90 ($115 after September 30, 2003),

Registration fees cover all continental breakfasts, luncheons, and the exhibitor reception.

For additional information and for exhibitor, sponsor, and advertising opportunities, visit the NMEHC Web site at www.nmehc.org. Or contact Tom Duker, conference chair, by phone at [phone] or by e-mail at [e-mail].