Strengthening the Public Health Workforce

The June issue of Health Affairs addresses the critical need for systemic changes in public health workforce recruitment and retention in the U.S. Valerie Yeager and Heather Krasna highlight barriers faced by state and local health departments, including salary gaps, burnout, and slow hiring processes.

Their recommendations stress tracking hiring metrics, implementing quality improvements, and establishing pathways for interns and contractors to become permanent staff. Reports underscore ongoing challenges, such as budget constraints and mismatches between graduates and job demands. The Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey reveals persistent issues like salary limitations and workload strains, exacerbated by the pandemic. Addressing these barriers is crucial for building a resilient public health infrastructure. Read more in Health Affairs here.