Public Health Workforce Shortage

Our nation’s health security relies on public health workers who monitor diseases and promote health. Recent data shows a worrying trend: the US has a public health workforce shortage. This shortage threatens the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies and maintain citizen well-being.

The Gravity of the Situation

State and local public health agency staff dropped 46% between 2017 and 2021, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Moreover, Younger workers, particularly under 35, resign more, aggravating the shortage. If this trend continues, approximately 100,000 public health workers may be lost by 2025, highlighting the concern. To address the public health labor shortfall, increase educational access, improve hiring processes, and improve workplace culture.

Public Health Workforce Staff Investigation

The University of Minnesota School of Public Health and other significant institutions’ rigorous examination has also illuminated the problem. After decades of falling financial investment and staff, the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the situation, the studies show. The “neglect, panic, repeat” cycle of public health funding and attention has left personnel underfunded and unable to address today’s issues.

The report concludes that significant adjustments are required to recruit and maintain a diverse and talented public health staff. Creating a workforce that matches the community it serves requires more funding, career pathways, and recruitment and retention. The one-time funding gives policymakers an opportunity to break the boom-bust cycle and create a sustainable public health system.

A Well-Trained and Evenly Dispersed Health Care Workforce is Needed

The State of the U.S. Health Care Workforce study highlights the need of a well-trained, properly supplied, and evenly dispersed health care workforce. It highlights the growth of nurse practitioners and nurse midwives and the decline of licensed practical nurses. Physician and dental hygienist shortages are predicted in the next years, emphasizing the necessity to address the workforce shortfall.

Over 250,000 public health workers are needed, according to the ASPH. The predicted shortages include public health doctors, nurses, epidemiologists, health educators, and administrators. This gap is especially concerning considering the rising demands on the public health system and the expanding US population.

Here are Some Ideas for Strengthening the Public Health Workforce:

Invest in education and training programs to prepare people for jobs in public health.
Offer competitive pay and benefits to recruit and retain skilled public health professionals.
Create a friendly work atmosphere that values employees’ well-being and professional growth.
Implement flexible staffing methods that may be adjusted to meet changing public health requirements and crises.
Encourage collaboration between public health organizations and educational institutions to guarantee a consistent supply of skilled personnel.
Advocate for ongoing financing for public health agencies to enable strategic planning and resource allocation.
Using outreach and awareness initiatives, promote public health as a positive career option.
Use technology and innovation to improve operations and alleviate the administrative strain on public health workers.
Advocate for policies that promote the recruitment and retention of a diverse and culturally competent public health staff.
Participate in worldwide partnerships to exchange best practices and resources for talent development.

These measures may help build a solid public health infrastructure for now and tomorrow.

The American Hospital Association

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has expressed worry about the potential public health workforce shortage. Their estimate suggests that America may require at least 200,000 nurses per year to meet demand. Also, replace retiring personnel and a 124,000-physician deficit by 2033.

These papers provide a picture of a public health system at a crossroads. More than a number, the workforce shortage shows a deficit in the country’s ability to protect and promote health. Then, this gap might harm public health and quality of life if not addressed.

Specific Example of Public Health Staff Shortage

Primary Care Providers: There is a substantial shortage of primary care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), which affects about 102 million people.
Dental Health Professionals: Approximately 77 million people reside in dental health HPSAs, suggesting a deficit of dental health professionals.
Registered Nurses (RNs): High rates of workforce attrition have been observed, with nurses accounting for the largest share of workforce loss.
Doctors: There is a predicted shortfall of 139,940 full-time equivalent doctors by 2036, with nonmetro regions having much higher shortages.
Public Health personnel: A significant drop in the government’s public health workforce, with a possible loss of 129,000 personnel over the next two years if present trends persist.
Dental Hygienists and General Dentists: There is a predicted shortfall of 23,320 full-time equivalent dental hygienists and 8,790 general dentists by 2036.
Behavioral Health Staff: Attrition rates also impact behavioral health workers, with large losses documented in this industry.
Home Health Aides: Among support staff, there is an extreme shortage of home health aides, which is projected to persist.

Public Health Professionals

As a culture, we must acknowledge the important role that public health professionals play in our lives. Indeed, we need long-term funding, educational opportunities, and policies that promote a diverse and dynamic public health workforce. Only then can we assure that our public health system is prepared to face both current and future problems.

Conclusion

The moment to act is now. Policymakers, educators, healthcare providers, and communities must work together to build a strong public health workforce. It is critical to our nation’s health.

Resources

Addressing public healthcare workforce shortages | McKinsey

Addressing the Public Health Workforce Shortage: A Call for Action