The RVPHTC was recently awarded $3.7 million in funding by HRSA. The award provides funding from July of 2022 through June of 2026, and will help the center expand its goal to increase the supply, diversity, and capacity of the public health workforce.
The Region V Public Health Training Center (RVPHTC) is part of the national Public Health Training Center Network. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, our ten regional training centers collectively serve as the country’s most comprehensive resource for public health workforce development. We aim to strengthen the skills of the current and future public health workforce through learning tools, continuing education, and student development.
Serving Health and Human Services-designated Region V states of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin, the RVPHTC provides high quality competency-based training for public health practitioners, particularly those in governmental public health. The RVPHTC has been housed at the UMSPH since 2000, first as a state-based center before taking on the role of the regional coordinating center in 2018. Dr. Laura Power, Clinical Associate Professor in the Epidemiology Department, will continue to serve as Principal Investigator/Director for the RVPHTC.
In collaboration with community-based training partners, technical assistance providers, and other partners across the six-state region, the RVPHTC will meet its goal of increasing the supply, diversity, and capacity of the public health workforce through: student field placement stipends and professional development opportunities; regional training needs assessments; open access online trainings for public health professionals; and a new leadership institute for public health and primary care practitioners. Through these programs, the RVPHTC will continue its work to respond to assessed strategic skill training needs including but not limited to resource management; change management; effective communication; and justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Among many of the lessons that came to light during the COVID-19 pandemic is the realization that those working in and around the field cannot continue to work in silos. Instead, by working across sectors and disciplines to share information and best practices, we can collectively work more effectively and equitably to address important health issues. Through its network of state and local health agencies, tribal health organizations, public health associations and organizations, and academic institutions across six states, the RVPHTC is well positioned to coordinate learning opportunities and connect practitioners in Michigan, Region V, and beyond to promote and advance health and health equity.