The American Public Health Association (APHA) is the nation's oldest and largest association of public health professionals. Since its founding in 1872, the APHA has been involved in the publication of the latest advances in public health, in advocacy for improved public health standards and practices; and in providing continuing education for public health professionals.

ASPH represents the 37 accredited schools of public health (SPH) in North America. Accredited SPH train a majority of public health professionals with a combined faculty of over 7,500. SPH educate more than 19,000 students annually from every state in the U.S. and most countries throughout the world and graduate approximately 6,000 professionals each year. With support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ASPH convenes the Centers for Public Health Preparedness (CPHP) network of over 50 CPHP. The network of 50 CPHP is a unique academic-governmental partnership among accredited schools of public health, dentistry schools, medical schools, and veterinary schools and state and local health departments. Through preparation of front-line public health workers and first responders, the CPHP network works to ensure a strong public health system when and where it is needed.

MichBio is a non-profit organization dedicated to driving the growth of the life sciences industry in Michigan. The association serves a diverse membership, including new and established life sciences companies, academic and research institutions, as well as service providers and related organizations throughout the state. Acting as a focal point for the life sciences community, MichBio provides networking and educational events, offers a web portal to industry-specific state and national information, addresses public policy, and is focusing on the human resource, funding and infrastructure issues affecting Michigan's biosciences industry. www.michbio.org

MdBio, Inc seeks to unify, empower and advance Maryland's biotechnology industry,providing comprehensive support services to the biotechnology community in Maryland. Areas of emphasis include corporate and business development, networking and community building, education and workforce development and communications. The organization works to catalyze industry growth, commercial development and global recognition of bioscience in Maryland. For more information, please visit www.mdbio.org.

The Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MBC), founded in 1985, is a non-profit organization that provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry. The MBC is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide. Representing over 400 companies, academic institutions and service organizations involved in biotechnology and healthcare, the MBC works with public leaders to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and services.

Research!America is a nonprofit education and advocacy alliance dedicated to making medical and health research, including research to prevent disease, disability and injury and to promote health, a much higher national priority. Its more than 450 members include academia, industry, independent research laboratories, professional and scientific societies, voluntary health organizations and philanthropies-all stakeholders in medical and health research. Through the strength of its diverse and far-reaching membership, Research!America provides a unified link between the voice of citizens who strongly support research and the influence of local, state and national opinion leaders and decision makers.