In order to support workforce development within the health departments, the NENCPPH formed a taskforce to identify needs and strategies to address those needs. The taskforce reviewed and tweaked survey assessment tools. The resulting assessment was shared with the health departments in the NENCPPH, and completed by all levels of staff. From the survey a few major areas of training needs were identified, including stress management, team building, conflict management, and leadership skills.
In order to address the training needs, the NENCPPH decided to offer a one-day regional workforce development conference, and hold it on two consecutive days to allow for the greatest participation. The regional workforce development conference was organized by the task force members with assistance from Eastern AHEC. Public health champions were recognized, and some participated on a panel during the conference.
The first regional workforce conference, “We Are the Champions! Moving Public Health Forward,” was held in the spring of 2018 with approximately 120 attendees. The second regional workforce conference, “We Are the Champions! Moving Public Health Forward TOGETHER,” is being planned for 2021.