March, 2026 — Atlanta, Georgia: The PEHSU Network came together in person in early March in Atlanta, Georgia, for the 2026 Annual Meeting. The event was an opportunity for the 10 regions and the National Program Office to come together and network with federal partners, as well as local and regional contacts. The theme of this year’s meeting was building partnerships.
Gathering at a Former Children’s Hospital
Public Health Institute (PHI) welcomed the PEHSU regions and leaders at the Solarium in Decatur, the site of a former children’s hospital for children from families who could not afford to pay for healthcare. Now an event venue and community center, it seemed only fitting to have a welcome event at this site, as the PEHSU network is made up of pediatricians, nurses, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals who dedicate themselves to improving children’s health through healthier environments.
The Solarium at Dusk.
Hearing from the Experts
The meeting included several speakers who are experts in the field from CDC’s National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), CDC’s Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), PHI, National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS), Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Emory School of Medicine, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Attendees focused on children’s environmental health, while expanding their knowledge in emergency response for pediatric populations, capacity building, state and local partnerships, and communications. Dr. Aaron Bernstein, NCEH/ATSDR Director, gave the keynote address and emphasized the importance of prevention in children’s environmental health, and the power of PEHSU’s message to “reduce exposure; prevent disease.”
Scholars from the Pediatric and Reproductive Environmental Health Scholars (PREHS) Program affiliated with PEHSU and Emory University, University of Washington and Mount Sinai School of Medicine gave short presentations on topics such as the relationship between male infertility and wildfire smoke, and the benefits and health effects of exposure to green space on birth outcomes.
Each PEHSU region gave short presentations on their team and a recent highlight or successes. Some example highlights included expanded outreach and content on wildfires for CME from Region 9, an Asthma Virtual Home Visit Program in Colorado from Region 8, and environmental health integrated into the nursing education curriculum at Goldfarb School of Nursing in Missouri from Region 7.
On the final day of the meeting, the PEHSU network heard from special speakers from Berkeley Media Studies Group, as well as the Rally Foundation, Captain Planet Foundation, de Beaumont Foundation, March of Dimes, and CDC Foundation.
From Left: Catherine Karr, Mark Miller, Marissa Hauptman
Martha Berger Hero Award
Dr. Nick Newman was awarded the Martha Berger Hero Award, presented by his colleagues Dr. Marissa Hauptman and Dr. Perry Sheffield. Dr. Newman has a long history with the PEHSU, beginning back in 2008, and was recognized as a leader in the field through his inspiration, actions and enthusiasm. Dr Sheffield commented that “During his tenure as the national Steering Committee Chair, Dr. Newman guided the network through challenging times always with fresh ideas and quick wit. His dedication, passion, and humor catalyze action and bring joy to the work and community of children’s environmental health.” Congratulations, Dr. Newman, and thank you for everything you’ve done and do for children’s health!
From Left: Leslie Rubin, Mike Sage, Marissa Hauptman, Nick Newman, Perry Sheffield, Catherine Karr, Susan Buchanan, Maida Galvez and Abby Mutic.
It Takes a Village
Bringing together subject matter experts and health professionals from across the field and across the nation is no easy feat. Thank you to our guest speakers who work to protect children’s environmental health. Thank you to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee (Kim Spencer, Manthan Shah, Christine Caraballo, Mike Sage, Anna Mae Rogelio, Stormy Monks, Danielle Westnedge, Ruth McDermott-Levy, Marissa Hauptman, Jahmisha Octalien, and Abby Mutic) for their many contributions.
Author: Whitney Sterten-Hall
Content Reviewed by the PEHSU National Program Office