History
Bob Gallaghar, a member of the Radiation Unit of the
Public Health Service in 1950, recognized the need to establish a
discussion group in Cincinnati to foster mutual interests in the field
of radiation. The national program to foster use of atomic energy,
“Atoms for Peace” also established a need to inform the public about
radiation. Over 25 businesses in the local tri-state area (Ohio,
Kentucky, and Indiana) were actively exploring uses of radiation. Bob
organized the first formal meeting of what was to become the Cincinnati
Radiation Society (CRS) on 15 April, 1952. Attending the first CRS
meeting were 75 participants from University Hospital, local industries
(e.g., Proctor & Gamble, General Electric, Bendix Aviation,
Cincinnati Milling & Machining), and governmental facilities
(Fernald, Mound, Wright Patterson Air Force, and the United States
Public Health Service). The meeting was held at the Cincinnati Club
and the cost of a five-course diner was only $2.75. In years following
the initial meeting, local newspapers relied on the CRS for information
concerning the risks associated with radiation exposure. Although now
the CRS still dedicates time towards fostering knowledge about the safe
use of radiation and radioactive materials (especially in our schools),
our new focus is directed towards assisting first responders who need
to have a unique understanding about the hazards and risks of radiation
exposure in order to effectively and efficiently do their job in
protecting our community in the event of a radiological terror. The
CRS, which predates the organization of the Health Physics, is proud to
be the first official local chapter of the Health Physics Society. We
continue to serve our community in fostering knowledge on the benefits
of radiation to society and mankind.
Contact Information (email addresses are @crs-hps.org)
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