Redefined Public Health Workforce Gains Momentum

A ground-breaking paper published in the American Journal of Public Health (AJPH) by Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health researcher Heather Krasna calls for a redefinition of the public health workforce, shifting the focus from traditional job titles to job impact and contribution.

In an effort to better understand the diverse professionals contributing to public health, Krasna proposes a two-tiered framework - core workforce and wider public health workforce. The core workforce comprises employees within government agencies, while the wider public health workforce includes individuals across sectors and industries who spend at least 50% of their work time delivering essential public health services.

According to Krasna, this new definition enables researchers and policymakers to identify gaps in the workforce and assess whether critical public health services are being outsourced or underutilized. This, in turn, will enable more effective training programs, stronger public health systems, and better preparedness for crises such as pandemics.

The 10 Essential Public Health Services provide a vital framework for understanding these essential capabilities and programs. Krasna argues that embracing this expanded definition of the workforce will allow policymakers to make more informed decisions about investment, training, and policy development.

"The lack of accurate assessments perpetuates uncertainty around who belongs in the public health workforce," observes Dr. Heather Krasna. "Only by adopting a broader definition can we ensure essential public services are delivered effectively amidst future crises."

Columbia University Mailman School is one step closer to achieving this new paradigm for public health labor, as researchers work diligently towards establishing more comprehensive standards and approaches in order to help improve the nation's overall approach when it comes to workforce strategy."