SOPHE Highlights
Executive Director’s Report Melissa Opp, MPH, MCHES®, ICE-CCP A Recap of SOPHE 2026: Stronger Together
As I reflect on NCHEC’s time at the SOPHE 2026 Annual Conference in Portland, I am filled with gratitude, pride, and renewed energy for the work we do together as a profession. Conferences like SOPHE offer much more than a place to present informa- tion or staff an exhibit booth. They give us the chance to reconnect with colleagues, share ideas, celebrate progress, and strengthen the professional community that supports health education specialists across the country. Throughout the conference, NCHEC was proud to have a strong and visible presence. At our exhibitor booth, NCHEC staff members Jess Wessner and Alyssa Dzurkovich welcomed attendees, answered questions, and connected with credential holders, future candidates, academic partners, and other professionals who care deeply about the future of health education and promotion.
NCHEC also had the opportunity to participate in several important conference sessions.
We shared detailed information about the HESPA III job analysis study during the plenary, helping attendees better understand the significance of this work and its role in defining the current and future practice of health education specialists. We also hosted a preconference workshop session on curricular mapping to the new Nine Areas of Responsibility, with valuable support from NCHEC board leadership, contributing their expertise and perspective. In addition, NCHEC took part in the Deep Dive session, Strengthening Professional Identity and Building a Collective Research Agenda for Health Education Specialists, which centered on a topic that could not be more timely for our field. One of the highlights of the conference was NCHEC’s annual CHES ® and MCHES ® Appreciation Breakfast. More than 100 CHES ® and MCHES ® credential holders gathered to enjoy food, conversation, networking, and a few fun moments at NCHEC’s selfie booth. The breakfast has become a meaningful tradition, and this year was no exception. It was a joy to see so many certified health education specialists come together not only to reconnect with longtime colleagues but also to make new professional connections and celebrate the shared commitment that our credentials represent.
Melissa Opp NCHEC Interim Execu Director Lastly, NCHEC had the opportunity to sponsor Eta Sigma Gamma’s Outstanding Undergraduate and Graduate Major of the Year Award Ceremony. The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding students majoring in health education from colleges or universities that have professional preparation programs. The award highlights the dedication and accomplishments of future health education specialists. We also had the opportunity to celebrate the inaugural Heart on Your Sleeve campaign, where NCHEC partnered with over 500 ESG students to celebrate pride in the health education profession. As you view the conference photos, I hope you feel the energy of that community. Whether you were in Portland or cheering from afar, you are part of a certified network that continues to lead, grow, and make an impact. Opportunities to gather, learn, and build relationships are essential to the continued strength of our field. We are stronger when we come together.
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