Partners working on a new MPH Program at Indiana University in Indianapolis in 1998 recognized the need for a strengthened state public health infrastructure and an integrated, interdisciplinary continuing public health education system. The partners (Indiana State Department of Health, Marion County (Indianapolis) Health Department, Indiana Public Health Association and others) began the initial planning for the Indiana University/Indiana State Department of Health (IU/ISDH) Center for Public Health Leadership and Education. The Center is designed to develop and implement a range of educational opportunities for public health professionals in the local health department, other settings, and foster citizen involvement in community health initiatives.
During 1999-2000, the IU/ISDH Center offered seven on-site sessions to local health department (LHD) staff and one regional videoconference. These sessions, developed on needs assessment data gleaned from the LHDs, focused on basic public health services.
The second-year curriculum will use local health problems to frame community assessment, coalition-building activities, and program planning and evaluation. Previous program attendees (300) will be encouraged to participate as LHD “teams.” The “teams” may invite local community agencies or board members to participate. The goal of the team is to address local public health concerns in a systematic way. The value of the team approach derives from the opportunity participants have to experience a collaborative, dynamic process dealing with real issues. We will continue to explore distance-learning applications. The author’s will describe the curriculum process and share lessons learned from this integrated approach to professional education.
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Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session participants will be able to: Recognize the intricacies involved in the development of collaborative public health relationships for continuing education. List key components of an interdisciplinary curriculum for public health professionals, including the use of new technology to disseminate educational programs. Articulate strategies for managing diverse educational needs, including identification of barriers to continuing education.
Keywords: Infrastructure, Public Health Education
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indiana University/Indiana State Department of Health (and its partners) Center for Public Health Leadership & Education
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Indiana University