Agenda - 02-21-2017-11-a - Board of Health – Appointment

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8 Page 2 of 2 Johanna Birckmayer am coordinating the work of multiple international organizations funded through the Bloomberg Philanthropy to support the enactment of effective tobacco tax policies to reduce tobacco use, again in low-and middle-income countries. In alignment with the Boards€TMs current focus on substance abuse, I would bring to the Board a deep commitment and extensive technical knowledge and experience in the policy options available to communities to reduce the negative impacts on families and the community affected by substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. I have evaluated substance abuse programs, conducted research on the impact of alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco policies, designed tools to assist local communities assess substance abuse issues, conducted reviews of best practices, provided technical assistance on best practices to governments and trained civil society groups to advocate for effective public health policies. My policy interest and expertise is directly applicable to other priority issues for the current Board, including food policy, physical activity, and mental health, among others. From experience, I know that the potential of policies to improve population-level health are often hard for both the public and policy makers to understand and thus support. I would bring the Board a grounded understanding of the positive impacts and a great deal of experience communicating and promoting the importance of such policies. My work experience spans cultures, languages, and political systems in the United States and globally. I would bring this experience and a sincere commitment to understanding and improving the health of all persons in Orange County. Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: I moved with my family to Orange County in 2015, and we plan to make North Carolina our long- term home. I have time and energy available and am actively looking for an opportunity to contribute to our community. I believe my skills and experience are directly applicable to the work of the Board and that I can contribute in a meaningful way to the Boards€TMs efforts to support and promote the health of all members of our community. After many years working globally to improve health, I am excited by the opportunity to utilize my skills, commitment, and time to contribute locally. Conflict of Interest: Supplemental Questions: Other Comments: This application was current on: 1/4/2017 4:07:02 PM Date Printed: 1/5/2017