Strategies for Strengthening Public Health Infrastructure & Investing in Workforce Capacity

Anyone in an environmental, energy, or risk management field knows that all roads lead to public health. In fact, it’s almost impossible to take any kind of action in these fields without giving serious consideration to the public health applications or implications. As we all work to navigate the complexities of public health challenges, the importance of a robust and agile infrastructure cannot be overstated. From the operational considerations of responding to a pandemic to the individuals themselves with boots on the ground after a man-made or natural disaster, it’s the people working in public health that play the most critical role in safeguarding the well-being of our communities. ?

Workforce Development & Training?

Investing in workforce development and training is essential for building a resilient public health workforce. It is critical to make an investment in foundational capabilities such as assessment and surveillance, communications, policy development, accountability and performance management, and emergency preparedness and response to support basic public health protections and other activities to support healthy communities.? While there are many proven and effective strategies to enhance workforce capacity and training efforts, the resources and ability to execute can vary depending on the governmental agency.?

Tailored Training Programs?

Factors such as local health challenges, population demographics, and cultural sensitivities will demand the development of training programs tailored to the unique needs and priorities of each target audience. Collaborating with educational institutions, professional associations, and other community partners to design and deliver training curricula that address specific skill gaps in the local public health workforce will help address current and emerging public health threats.?

On-the-Job Training and Mentorship?

Implementing on-the-job training programs robust onboarding programs and continued education programs, that are included in employee onboarding and continued education, that provide hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities for new and existing public health professionals will not only strengthen the local public health workforce but will also become a draw to new public health professionals and strengthen recruitment efforts.?

Cross-Sector Collaboration?

Fostering collaboration between public health agencies and other sectors, such as healthcare, academia, non-profits, private industry, and the federal government will expand training opportunities and encourage the sharing of expertise. This is especially crucial when the community includes tribal populations, as Tribes and Native American Organizations (T/NASOs) and Ally Organizations will have unique insights into culturally significant approaches to public health initiatives.

Recruitment and Retention Strategies?

Streamlining the administrative processes, modernizing employment policies, investing in workforce pathway and pipeline programs- particularly ones to support underserved and under-resourced communities- offering competitive salaries and benefits, and highlighting the meaningful impact of public health careers can all serve as effective tools in a recruitment strategy. Additionally, the implementation of elements like mentorship programs, career advancement, and professional development should be embraced not only as a great tool for recruiting new public health talent, but also for retention efforts.?

Building a Collaborative Ecosystem?

To maximize impact, it is essential for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial government agencies to collaborate effectively. This can include sharing best practices, coordinating training efforts, and leveraging resources to address common challenges. Tribal and territorial government agencies face unique challenges due to factors such as remote geography, limited resources, and historical disparities. Collaborating to invest in workforce development tailored to the specific needs of these communities is especially crucial for improving health outcomes and addressing health inequities.?

As we continue to confront existing and emerging public health threats, investing in workforce capacity and capability must remain a priority. By strengthening public health infrastructure and enhancing the skills and capabilities of the workforce, we can better protect the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the nation, no matter the industry.??

Learn more about SC&A’s Public Health practice line. ?

Learn more about SC&A’s efforts to design and implement tailored training initiatives.

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