What’s So Great About the ASHA Conference? Ten Reasons to Come to Orlando!

Linda Morse, ASHA President

Attending an ASHA conference is a great way to rekindle the energy, enthusiasm and idealism that drove you to become a school health professional. It’s not too late to register for ASHA’s 2015 Annual Conference. So what’s so great about it?

1. It is the only national conference that provides sessions for all school health professionals—not just nurses or health educators, or counselors. You can share ideas with other professionals, hear their perspectives, and learn more about their work and how it all supports student health and learning.

2. ASHA focuses on a coordinated and collaborative approach to school health where team members work with and learn from each other to support health and learning. Hear from people implementing this approach in all kinds of schools. Learn what works.

3. You will meet and network with people who share your passion for school health and who truly believe that healthy children and youth do learn better. Everyone needs to be validated and appreciated. ASHA recognizes seasoned school health professionals and those who are just starting out in the field. Friday’s award luncheon is included with your registration fee.

4. You will hear from a national expert on resiliency, Dr. Ken Ginsburg, and learn why some kids survive and thrive. If you are interested in learning more, you can attend one of Dr. Ginsburg’s follow-up workshops and check out his many publications.

5. Wayne Giles from the CDC will share the latest on the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model. You can also go to a number of practical sessions about the implementation of this CSH approach. In addition, there are several workshops focused on the latest from the CDC.

6. As school opens, the issue of transgender students has once again become news. At one of our pre-conference sessions, presented by Nora Gelperin from Advocates for Youth and Dan Rice from Answer, you will hear how schools address this issue and learn what you can do to support these kids in your school.

7. Maybe you have a school wellness team or school health advisory council that has lost steam. Maybe you need some new ideas to jump start a school year focused on wellness. Come to our pre-conference session, presented by Jess Lawrence from Cairn Guidance and Kymm Ballard from SPARK, to learn how to make your school health efforts work!

8. Want to meet new people in the field? Then come to our Friday evening reception, sponsored by Indiana University, where you can visit with exhibitors, connect with old friends, and meet school health professionals from all over the country—and a few from other nations. On Thursday night, you join other ASHA members for networking dinners at various local restaurants—just sign up at the ASHA registration desk.

9. Need continuing education hours? ASHA offers 5-6 different workshops in every time block. Some focus on research while others focus on teaching, program implementation, or administration. You choose what works best for you. And as an ASHA member, your CE hours are free!

10. Finally, it’s Orlando in October. The weather is beautiful, the pool is beckoning, and you don’t need a coat, hat, or mittens. If you like Disney, then venture across the street to shop or take in a park or two—we have discounted tickets on our website. Universal Orlando, Sea World, and Wet and Wild are not too far away. Head to the east coast and visit Kennedy Space Center. Make it a mini-vacation but don’t forget the sunscreen!

For all the details on the conference, visit the ASHA Conference Page and click here to register online.