Strengthening the public health infrastructure in New York State: Update on the activities of the NYS public health workforce task force

The public health workforce in New York State faces a variety of challenges, including an aging workforce, shortages in key professional areas, and a lack of training and education for workers. The NYS Public Health Workforce Task Force was created in 2005 as a way to confront and overcome these challenges. As a unique multidisciplinary team of state agencies, local health departments (LHDs), academic institutions, health professional and advocacy organizations, the CDC, and other leadership and training programs, the Task Force is charged with developing and implementing strategies to improve recruitment, retention, training and leadership development. Nine project charters serve to guide strategies and activities related to their themes. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the activities, outcomes, challenges, and recommendations of key charter workgroups. The Strengthen Academic/Practice Partnerships workgroup facilitates collaboration between academic institutions and LHDs to develop student practicum opportunities in LHDs. The Strengthen Workplace Policies and Procedures workgroup is conducting research on best practices for the LHD workplace and will assist LHDs in implementation of these recommended practices. The Market Public Health Careers workgroup is researching and will develop and disseminate models for the recruitment of qualified students and professionals into the public health field. The collaborative and multidisciplinary focus of the Task Force has proven successful in the ability of charter workgroups to carry out proposed strategies. The Task Force and its activities can serve as a useful model for public health workforce development in other states and regions.