Development and implementation of a workforce development plan through a local phtc partnership: Lessons from the field in rural Florida

Public health workforce development focuses on the enhancement of training, skills and performance of public health workers. A well-prepared public health workforce is better equipped to improve the health outcomes of the populations served. Effective public health practice within health departments requires that public health workers are trained and qualified to address the population's public health needs. Workforce development planning and implementation are key requirements for health departments to meet the Public Health Accreditation Board's (PHAB) standards and measures. The Rural South Public Health Training Center (RSPHTC) is funded by HRSA to enhance the competencies of the public health workforce in rural counties in Florida by providing education, training and technical assistance. The RSPHTC partnered with the Suwannee and Lafayette County Health Departments, two health departments in a rural region in Florida, to assess the training needs of the staff, develop a workforce development plan and implement training programs to address identified gaps. This presentation is designed to discuss: 1) the workforce development challenges faced by a rural health department within a climate of limited resources; 2) the process and benefits of establishing academic/practice partnerships to address workforce development needs; 3) a collaborative approach to developing and implementing a workforce training needs assessment; 4) the role of the PHTC in facilitating the development of tailored training programs to address identified needs and core competencies for local public health professionals and; 5) staff involvement in the process and; 6) evaluation of training programs.