Amidst the swirling tumult of the public health landscape, a formidable challenge looms on the horizon—workforce shortages that threaten to destabilize the very foundations of community health. As we hurtle towards the year 2025, predictions cast a shadow over the workforce, foreseeing a considerable exodus of seasoned professionals ready to retire or seek new paths. This impending shift exacerbates an already critical need: attracting and retaining adept practitioners who can navigate the complexities of modern health environments.
In a proactive response to these daunting challenges, an array of public health organizations, particularly in the HHS Region 7—comprising the states of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska—are venturing into uncharted territories. They are increasingly turning towards innovative educational assistance programs, which promise to serve as powerful vehicles for workforce development. By investing in education and professional advancement, these entities aim to cultivate a robust pool of talent capable of addressing the pressing health needs of their communities.
This insightful report has materialized from the collaborative efforts of the University of Kansas Medical Center and the Kansas Health Institute (KHI). Spearheaded by the initiatives of the National Network of Public Health Institutes, KHI assumes a pivotal role in serving the evolving landscape of HHS Region 7, championing strategies that are vital to sustaining public health efficacy in the face of change.
