The Council for the Model Aquatic Health Code (CMAHC), the nonprofit that supports the CDC’s Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC), has launched an urgent fundraising campaign titled Ripples of Change in response to a significant funding shortfall that threatens to disrupt its public health mission.
For more than 10 years, CMAHC has quietly worked behind the scenes to ensure swimmers stay healthy and safe. The organization provides free technical guidance to health inspectors, supports pool operators, and stewards the national standards that protect every commercial pool in the U.S.
“This work doesn’t pull on heartstrings, but it prevents disease and drowning,” says Dewey Case, Technical Director of CMAHC. “We serve as the support system for health inspectors and aquatic operators. And now we need the industry’s support in return.”
CMAHC has never charged for these services directly, believing that cost should never be a barrier to public safety. The group offers memberships with exclusive education opportunities and accreditations for aquatics professionals to sustain its operation. But as federal funding from the CDC shifts, the organization is seeking bridge support to sustain its mission through this transition.
“We have a plan for long-term stability, but we need your help to get there,” says Kristie Riester, executive director of CMAHC. “Your support will allow us to continue training pool inspectors, advancing research on indoor air quality and Legionella prevention, and ensuring communities have access to lifesaving public health guidance.”
The Ripples of Change campaign aims to raise essential funds from three key audiences:
- Individuals who use MAHC resources in their daily work
- Small businesses and public health councils with a stake in safe, high-performing pools
- Corporate sponsors who want to be recognized for their leadership in public health
Supporters who contribute $125 or more will receive a thank-you gift, such as a CMAHC-branded mug. Corporate donors will be recognized with sponsorship benefits including press features, digital badges, logo placement and visibility across CMAHC channels.
CMAHC’s mission remains unchanged: to provide free, science-backed guidance that keeps swimmers safe.
"Every gift," the organization says, "no matter the size, helps keep this vital work going."
To contribute or learn more, visit: https://cmahc.org/ripples-of-hope
