title: Elevating physical activity as a public health priority: creation of the National Society of Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical activity has emerged as a distinct area of public health practice. As this field evolved, the need for a professional organization for physical activity practitioners in public health became evident. A collaboration of several existing public health professional organizations formed to address this new area of public health practice. The collaboration laid the foundation to establish a professional organization. National Association of Physical Activity Practitioners in Public Health (NSPAPPH) was launched in April 2006. NSPAPPH accomplishments to date include convening a national meeting of physical activity practitioners, conducting strategic planning, adopting bylaws and core competencies for professional practice, developing a website and electronic newsletter, and establishing training opportunities for practitioners.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Future plans for NSPAPPH include development of a professional certification for physical activity practitioners in public health; enhancement of training and professional development opportunities; recruitment of members from national, tribal, state, and local organizations working in public and private sectors; publications of journal articles, reports, and issue briefs; and development of a policy agenda. Implementing these plans will serve to strengthen public health infrastructure for physical activity, thus improving the physical activity behaviors of Americans and the health of the nation.
authors.affiliation: Chronic Disease Risk Reduction Unit, Minnesota Dept of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA.
authors.forename: Christine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Kimber
authors.forename: Eydie
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Abercrombie
authors.forename: Jacqueline N
authors.initials: JN
authors.lastname: Epping
authors.forename: LeeAnn
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mordecai
authors.forename: Jimmy
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Newkirk
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ray
mesh_terms: D019058:Community Networks / Q000458:organization & administration; D006265:Health Care Coalitions / Q000458:organization & administration; D006292:Health Priorities; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009937:Organizational Objectives; D016134:Organizational Policy; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012955:Societies, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration