Did you know that AIHA offers emeritus membership at half price for former full members who have retired from occupational and environmental health and safety? AIHA recognizes the importance of everyone in the OEHS profession, from students to retired practitioners, and the valuable input and expertise they bring. The association is especially grateful to our emeritus members for continuing to stay involved, connected, and on the front lines of the OEHS field. Your influence on the next generation of professionals is invaluable to the future of the field.

There are many ways for emeritus members to stay active in AIHA and the community:

Join a Volunteer Group or Technical Committee

AIHA hosts over 60 technical groups and volunteer committees that are open to emeritus members with no additional administrative fees or costs. These committees are the association's lifeline and its means of achieving its mission and vision. Joining volunteer groups allows you to maintain professional relationships and friendships with your colleagues. Your experience and leadership will be important elements in steering committee projects and achieving their goals. You'll also have opportunities for your voice to be heard and to help train future leaders.

Emeritus Member Kathryn Makos, MPH, CIH, helped establish the AIHA Museum and Cultural Heritage Working Group, which she didn't have time for when she was working full time. "Retirement allows you to reimagine the work-life balance as one of self-care and fulfillment, which includes contributing your talents for the good of the community," she said.

Become a Mentor

The mentoring program has grown tremendously in the year since AIHA upgraded to the new, easier-to-use Qooper platform. Many mentees actively seek more seasoned and experienced mentors, including those who have been in the workforce for more than 20 years. We need mentors who can provide feedback, insight, and vision to the next generation in the OEHS field. The future of the profession depends on it.

Kathryn also mentored OEHS students and early career professionals while she was chair of the Museum Working Group. She found that "staying involved with AIHA gives us valuable opportunities to pass along the lessons we've learned and hopefully prevent OEHS professionals who are just starting out from making the same mistakes that we may have made when we were less experienced."

Stay Connected

You don't have to disengage after retirement. Emeritus members can keep themselves connected and up to date with the profession's most significant news through their continued access to The Synergist, the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene (JOEH), and AIHA's digital archives. Catalyst, our online member community, is also open to emeritus members as a platform to connect with peers and make their voices heard.

Being an AIHA emeritus member "nudges me to stay on top of current OEHS scientific and public policy," said Kathryn. "Also, it gives me insight into the ways we can meet health, safety, and social justice challenges for underserved and changing workforces."

Become a Fellow

Members who maintain at least 15 years of continuous full membership and contribute significantly to OEHS or related disciplines through research, leadership, publications, education, or service to AIHA are eligible for the prestigious AIHA Fellows designation. This honor, which is limited to no more than five percent of the membership, recognizes service to the organization and the professional practice of OEHS.

Support the American Industrial Hygiene Foundation

AIHF provides an opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the association that has helped shape your career. Donations to AIHF fund scholarships that enable talented students to complete their education, overcome hardships, and achieve their dreams.

AIHA would like to thank you for your continued trust and support. We hope you use everything membership has to offer, stay connected and engaged in OEHS, and contribute your experience toward building the future of the profession.