The Coalition of National Health Education Organizations: Recent Advances to Strengthen the Health Education Profession

Abstract

The Coalition of National Health Education Organizations (CNHEO) has existed since 1972, with a mission of bringing together national and international health education organizations who serve within the United States to seek joint actions in support of the health education profession. Much success and collaboration have occurred over the last 50 years, including developing and implementing the 2018–2025 strategic plan. The nine member organizations of the Coalition paused to review individual and collaborative work in addressing shared goals and objectives around policy and mandates, preparation and professional development, credentialing, identity and value of health education, health education workforce and diversity, and research and practice. Findings of this mid-progress strategic plan review suggest that great value is provided to the profession via the collaborative work of organizations (sharing of advocacy alerts and work, supporting training and certification efforts, etc.), but areas for improvement exist (more joint policy statements, better study and support for the profession, etc.). This article outlines important Coalition history for the profession, describes goal and objective accomplishments related to the CNHEO 2018–2025 strategic plan, and makes suggestions for future improvement designed to affect the health of the public and the health education profession.

Keywords

health education professional development advocacy strategic plan professional organizations coalitions health promotion

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