If not carefully designed, a strictly merit-based approach to hiring can unintentionally exclude talented individuals from underserved communities who have followed nontraditional paths. By broadening the definition of “qualified” and recognizing different forms of potential, employers can uphold high standards while cultivating fair hiring strategies.
Public health has humbled me, challenged me, and given me a lens to see the world as interconnected. It’s a field where small actions ripple outward, leadership means serving, and authenticity isn’t just welcomed but essential.
The RVPHTC conducts a training needs assessment every few years to help identify and prioritize the current needs of the region’s Local Health Departments (LHDs). These training needs help inform the development of training resources that will best serve our users and each iteration of the training needs assessment has slight differences and helps us learn more about the LHDs that we are serving.
To address gaps in data for populations historically un- or underrepresented in existing sources, community-led data collection was incorporated into Kent County’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) process. Twelve organizations were paid to lead surveying efforts in their communities, resulting in a diverse convenience sample and disaggregated data for priority populations.