The Minnesota Environmental Health Association (MEHA) is an organization of public health professionals in government and industry working to improve the living and working conditions in homes, businesses, and the protection of the environment.

MEHA had its origins in the 1960s as the creation of a professional society for environmental health practitioners with the desire to establish a standard of excellence for the developing profession. This standard, the Registered Environmental Health Specialist/Registered Sanitarian (REHS/RS) credential, confirms that one has mastered a body of knowledge and has acquired sufficient experience to perform professional environmental health activities. The pioneers of the association believed that such a credential was necessary if the environmental health field was to grow and take shape as a legitimate and widely respected profession.

Drawing on the original effort that led to the creation of MEHA, the association now has over 350 members. MEHA offers a variety of programs that are all in keeping with the association's mission which is as relevant today as it was when the organization was founded.

While a majority of MEHA members work in the public sector, we are constantly seeking membership which is representative of the entire environmental health field. The only qualification to be a MEHA member is that the individual have an interest in the environmental field.

It is the association's desire to foster more cooperation and understanding among environmental health professionals, to contribute to the resolution of environmental health issues, and to work with national professional societies to advance the image and professional standing of the environmental health profession. At the same time, MEHA remains solidly founded by its roots in efforts to improve the environment in order to create a more healthful environment and quality of life in Minnesota.

The objectives of the association, as identified in our by-laws, are

• to foster and promote high standards in the work of environmental health, and of qualifications for engaging therein;
• to bring about harmonious and cooperative effort for the better understanding and more efficient rendering of the duties and responsibilities of sanitarians/environmental health specialists;
• to strive for their recognition from public and official sources, as a scientific group, rendering a governmental service for the general welfare of the public;
• to encourage reciprocal cooperation of the various branches and departments of government in activities directed toward the improvement of public health;
• to promote the certification and registration of sanitarian/environmental health specialists on a state and national basis; and
• to promote the social and economic conditions of workers engaged in public health sanitation, or in allied occupations, and to professionalize their status.

MEHA usually holds 3 conferences each year in the fall, winter and spring. The annual spring conference is held in a leisurely, retreat setting for one and one-half days. It is preceded by a golf tournament which benefits the Mary Lauren Olson Scholarship Fund. MEHA's top award,the Frank A. Staffenson Environmental Health Professional of the Year Award, is presented at the awards dinner at the spring conference.

MEHA is also the annual sponsor of Minnesota Environmental Health Week as proclaimed by the Governor.