digital extra

New APHL Guidance: Harmful Algal Blooms Harmful algal blooms can be a problem in every region of the country and public health labs are often called upon to respond with analytical capabilities. APHL’ s new publication, A Freshwater Algal Toxin Guidance Document for Public Health Laboratories, provides guidance on test implementation and an overview of health concerns, federal and state guidelines, analytical methods, available resources and more.

Standard Methods Water Manual Updated The most widely respected and globally utilized water examination manual for over a century, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater is now available in its 23rd edition. Published jointly by the American Public Health Association, the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation, Standard Methods reflects the latest developments in water analysis and emerging priorities in water safety.

CDC Toolkit: Develop a Legionnaires’ Disease Response Plan CDC has created a toolkit to help state and local public health labs develop an effective response plan in case of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease.

ASTHO Publishes Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response Report The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials( ASTHO) has published a new report assessing the legal and institutional framework for interagency information sharing during foodborne disease outbreaks.

New APHL Guidance: Rabies Diagnostics This document is intended to be a self-assessment tool for any public health laboratory performing rabies testing in the US.

Looking to talk about science with non-scientists? Here are some of the resources that were mentioned in the Lab Matters feature article to help you tell your story:

• Explore the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University for webinars and online courses.

• The American Association for the Advancement of Science( AAAS) offers Public Engagement Resources

•“ Talking Science with Non-Scientists: A Personal Communication,” by James Kling. The Scientist, March 29, 1999.

•“ Talk Nerdy to Me,” a TED talk by Melissa Marshall. A faculty member with the Department of Communication Arts & Sciences at Penn State University, Melissa specializes in teaching speaking skills to engineering students and has also lectured at Harvard Medical School, the New York Academy of Sciences, Cornell University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention( CDC).

• Nancy Baron’ s Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter( Island Press, 2010).

• Don’ t Be Such a Scientist: Talking Substance in an Age of Style, by Randy Olson( Island Press, 2009).

• Visit APHL’ s Member Resource Center to view tools gathered by the Knowledge Management Committee to help your lab participate in conversations surrounding legislative-level events.

David Mills PhD, retired director of the New Mexico Public Health Laboratory, discusses how laboratory twinning builds strong lab systems and relationships Read more

We are always looking for stories from our members to share in our magazine, blog and other channels. From LIMS to biomonitoring to whole genome sequencing, we want to hear from YOU! Submit your ideas to gynene. sullivan @ aphl. org.