Delta Omega was founded in 1924 by two graduate students at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at Johns Hopkins University.

Hume was a member of the Army Medical Corps from 1916 to 1951, and had already served overseas fighting typhus epidemics in Siberia, Russia, and in Naples, Italy.

Hume was the first to insist that the fraternity be honorary in nature, and while Mitchell had originally suggested a social basis he soon agreed with his friend that the groups should be formed as an honor society.

Upon return from the summer recess, Hume reported success around the East Coast, while Richard Bolt, a charter member, worked to organize groups in the West.

[1] Delta Omega's activities were severely constrained during World War II, and were fully suspended between 1942 and 1944 because of wartime priorities.

Election to the society is based on outstanding performance, including scholarship in students, teaching and research in faculty members, and community service in alumni.

Election to membership in Delta Omega is intended, not only to recognize merit, but also, to encourage further excellence in, and devotion to, public health work.

[3] Each chapter must be associated with a Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH)- accredited school and is limited to inducting no more than 20% of the graduating student body, and 10% of undergraduates.

These members include: The National Office of Delta Omega conducts yearly activities in addition to the individual chapters.

The curriculum award winners present their work at the APHA annual meeting as well as in front of the Delta Omega National Council.

Classics may be books, scientific journal articles, technical reports, legislation or other written publications or multi-media productions.