Oral

While recognizing that in order to address differences in health care quality and health outcomes, there is a need for a diverse health care workforce. The current public health workforce needs to draw in a diverse professional cadre of staff in order to serve diverse populations. Additionally, the current public health staff do not always perceive themselves as competent with their knowledge and skills to provide essential public health services for population-focused public health services.

Session Objectives: Analyze how workforce diversity can be used as a strategy to eliminate health disparities. Discuss the importance of Public Health Nursing as a unique sub-specialty workforce.