Survey Results Show Need for Public Health Professionals
Liz Perry for Leaders in Healthcare – April 7, 2008
The existing public health workforce is shrinking and new workers are limited, according to the results of survey by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials. Results showed that: the average age of a public health worker in state government is 47 and 20 percent of workers are eligible to retire within three years.
Research continues to show a strong need for public health professionals as existing threats grow and new ones develop. Issues at hand include bioterrorism, natural disasters, climbing obesity rates, chronic diseases, food-borne outbreaks, and HIV/AIDS. Those with a strong grasp of healthcare knowledge are well equipped to serve as leaders in facing these challenges.