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.
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.
The latest count of the public health workforce, Enumeration 2024, shows an increased state and local workforce since 2019, though much of the growth has been in temporary or contract staff.
In April 2023, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 4, which included a requirement for new health officers to complete a foundational public health training. The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) contracted with the Indiana University Fairbanks School of Public Health (FSPH) to manage the logistics and development of this training.
Through the Public Health Leadership Institute for Systems Change, Illinois health departments work to uncover root causes for complex issues and create meaningful change.
