Methods: Assessing PDPH staff’s needs, vision, expectations, and desired outcomes was key to tailoring the AI training. Based on this assessment, the training included sector-specific use cases and topics. Following the training, KHI guided PDPH in developing their AI policy.

Results: The training sessions and TA helped health departments accelerate AI adoption and develop AI policies. Based on insights from the trainings, KHI and its partners finalized Developing AI Policies for Public Health Organizations: A Template and Guidance, which has since been used to support AI policy development.

Discussion: The results highlight the importance of AI capacity building through a multi-pronged approach, including educational offerings and tailored technical assistance. Customization should consider relevant use cases and evolve with the legal environment. Establishing a clear vision for AI use and updating or developing policies can support effective integration into health department work.

Recommendations: To effectively integrate AI into public health, professionals must be equipped with practical AI skills. Building AI literacy is essential for leveraging AI to advance departmental operations while also developing ethical and robust AI policies. Departments should have a clear vision and evidence-based rationale for using AI. Following training, an actionable AI plan promotes sustainability of efforts and meaningful AI integration.