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Page 2 of 2 Johanna Birckmayer <br />Other Comments: <br />This application was current on:1/4/2017 4:07:02 PM Date Printed:1/5/2017 <br />Supplemental Questions: <br />am coordinating the work of multiple international organizations funded through the Bloomberg <br />Philanthropy to support the enactment of effective tobacco tax policies to reduce tobacco use, <br />again in low- and middle-income countries. <br />In alignment with the Board’s current focus on substance abuse, I would bring to the Board <br />a deep commitment and extensive technical knowledge and experience in the policy options <br />available to communities to reduce the negative impacts on families and the community affected <br />by substance abuse, including tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. I have evaluated substance <br />abuse programs, conducted research on the impact of alcohol, illicit drugs and tobacco policies, <br />designed tools to assist local communities assess substance abuse issues, conducted reviews <br />of best practices, provided technical assistance on best practices to governments and trained <br />civil society groups to advocate for effective public health policies. My policy interest and <br />expertise is directly applicable to other priority issues for the current Board, including food policy, <br />physical activity, and mental health, among others. <br />From experience, I know that the potential of policies to improve population-level health are <br />often hard for both the public and policy makers to understand and thus support. I would bring <br />the Board a grounded understanding of the positive impacts and a great deal of experience <br />communicating and promoting the importance of such policies. My work experience spans <br />cultures, languages, and political systems in the United States and globally. I would bring this <br />experience and a sincere commitment to understanding and improving the health of all persons <br />in Orange County. <br />Reasons for wanting to serve on this board: <br />I moved with my family to Orange County in 2015, and we plan to make North Carolina our long- <br />term home. I have time and energy available and am actively looking for an opportunity to <br />contribute to our community. I believe my skills and experience are directly applicable to the <br />work of the Board and that I can contribute in a meaningful way to the Boardâ €™s efforts to <br />support and promote the health of all members of our community. After many years working <br />globally to improve health, I am excited by the opportunity to utilize my skills, commitment, and <br />time to contribute locally. <br />Conflict of Interest: <br />12