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Mbola P, Nkosi DV, Morakinyo OM. Disaster management training for environmental health: A narrative literature review. JAMBA (POTCHEFSTROOM, SOUTH AFRICA) 2024; 16:1706. [PMID: 39363963 PMCID: PMC11447721 DOI: 10.4102/jamba.v16i1.1706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/05/2024]
Abstract
The growing frequency and severity of disasters worldwide have highlighted the need for environmental health practitioners to be equipped with specialised training to respond effectively to evolving public health contexts. Disasters can have long-lasting impacts on the environment and environmental health services, necessitating prompt and effective responses. However, the current environmental health workforce faces challenges in acquiring the necessary competencies to address environmental health threats during disasters. This narrative review synthesises existing literature on disaster management education for environmental health professionals, exploring current training, advancements and emerging trends. The review follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines and includes a total of 45 records that met inclusion criteria (compromising 15 peer-reviewed articles and 30 training records) published between 2002 and 2023. Findings highlight the expansion of environmental health degree programmes to include disaster management, better preparing newly qualified practitioners. However, a knowledge gap remains for previously qualified practitioners. High-income countries prioritising capacity building for environmental health practitioners in disaster management are better equipped to respond to and mitigate disasters. Contribution The review suggests that with proper basic training for disaster responders, more lives can be saved during and after disasters. It highlights the insufficiency of current training programmes and emphasises the need for advanced role-specific training for environmental health practitioners. The review emphasises the need for advanced role-specific training, community assessment skills and focused disaster response strategies to enhance environmental health practitioners' ability to respond to disasters and improve public health resilience. Enhanced training, capacity building and collaboration are necessary to improve the competencies, skills and knowledge of environmental health practitioners in disaster risk management and public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patience Mbola
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Studies, Faculty of Applied Science, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Davies V. Nkosi
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Science, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Oyewale M. Morakinyo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Faculty of Public Health, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Morabia A. Public Health Workforce: Retention, Enumeration, and Safety. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:42-43. [PMID: 38091562 PMCID: PMC10726925 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
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Whiley H, Smith JC, Moore N, Burton R, Conci N, Psarras H, Ross KE. Climate Change and Health: Challenges to the Local Government Environmental Health Workforce in South Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6384. [PMID: 37510617 PMCID: PMC10379352 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is the most urgent and significant public health risk facing the globe. In Australia, it has been identified that Environmental Health Officers/Practitioners (EHOs/EHPs, hereafter EHOs) are a currently underutilized source of knowledge and skills that can contribute to climate change adaptation planning at the local government level. The ability of local government EHOs to utilize their local knowledge and skills in human health risk assessment during a public health emergency was demonstrated through their role in the response to COVID-19. This study used a survey and follow up interviews to examine the roles and responsibilities of EHOs during the COVID-19 pandemic and used the results to examine the potential of the workforce to tackle climate change and health related issues. What worked well, what regulatory tools were helpful, how interagency collaboration worked and what barriers or hindering factors existed were also explored. A workforce review of EHOs in South Australia was also undertaken to identify current and future challenges facing EHOs and their capacity to assist in climate change preparedness. The findings demonstrated that the workforce was used in the response to COVID-19 for varying roles by councils, including in education and communication (both internally and externally) as well as monitoring and reporting compliance with directions. Notably, half the workforce believed they could have been better utilized, and the other half thought they were well utilized. The South Australian Local Government Functional Support Group (LGFSG) was praised by the workforce for a successful approach in coordinating multiagency responses and communicating directions in a timely fashion. These lessons learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic should be incorporated into climate change adaptation planning. To ensure consistent messaging and a consolidated information repository, a centralized group should be used to coordinate local government climate change adaptation plans in relation to environmental health and be included in all future emergency management response plans. The surveyed EHOs identified environmental health issues associated with climate change as the most significant future challenge; however, concerningly, participants believe that a lack of adequate resourcing, leading to workforce shortages, increasing workloads and a lack of support, is negatively impacting the workforce's preparedness to deal with these emerging issues. It was suggested that the misperception of environmental health and a failure to recognize its value has resulted in a unique dilemma where EHOs and their councils find themselves caught between managing current workload demands and issues, and endeavouring to prepare, as a priority, for emerging environmental health issues associated with climate change and insufficient resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
- ARC Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - James C Smith
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Nicole Moore
- City of Onkaparinga, Noarlunga Centre, SA 5168, Australia
| | - Rebecca Burton
- Renmark Paringa Council 61 Eighteenth Street, Renmark, SA 5341, Australia
| | - Nadia Conci
- Eastern Health Authority, 101 Payneham Rd, St. Peters, SA 5069, Australia
| | - Helen Psarras
- South Australian Department for Health and Wellbeing, 11 Hindmarsh Sq, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Kirstin E Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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Mbazima SJ, Mbonane TP, Masekameni MD. A SWOT analysis of contemporary gaps and a possible diagnostic tool for environmental health in an upper-middle income country: a case study of South Africa. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2022; 32:2820-2842. [PMID: 34719301 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.1994527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the state of environmental health in the Republic of South Africa using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis framework. The internal and external factor evaluations were conducted by reviewing existing literature searched using a combination of keywords and boolean functions. The weighted score for the strengths and weaknesses was 0.79 and 1.04, respectively. The external factor evaluations findings revealed that environmental health has an equal amount of threats and opportunities, however, the threats outweigh the opportunities. The total weighted score for the internal and external factor evaluations was 1.83 and 2.25, respectively, which were below the average value of 2.5. The internal-external factors matrix indicated that environmental health in the Republic of South Africa needs to be refocused and re-aligned to public health protection. Failure to address the weaknesses and threats and optimise the strengths and opportunities may further weaken the provision of environmental health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Setlamorago Jackson Mbazima
- Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Thokozani Patrick Mbonane
- Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Masilu Daniel Masekameni
- Occupational Health Division, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Levy CR, Phillips LM, Murray CJ, Tallon LA, Caron RM. Addressing Gaps in Public Health Education to Advance Environmental Justice: Time for Action. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:69-74. [PMID: 34936391 PMCID: PMC8713638 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carly R Levy
- Carly R. Levy and Lindsay A. Tallon are with the Master of Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston. Lynelle M. Phillips is with the Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia. Carolyn J. Murray is with the Master of Public Health Program, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. Rosemary M. Caron is with the Department of Health Management and Policy, Master of Public Health Program, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham
| | - Lynelle M Phillips
- Carly R. Levy and Lindsay A. Tallon are with the Master of Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston. Lynelle M. Phillips is with the Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia. Carolyn J. Murray is with the Master of Public Health Program, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. Rosemary M. Caron is with the Department of Health Management and Policy, Master of Public Health Program, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham
| | - Carolyn J Murray
- Carly R. Levy and Lindsay A. Tallon are with the Master of Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston. Lynelle M. Phillips is with the Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia. Carolyn J. Murray is with the Master of Public Health Program, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. Rosemary M. Caron is with the Department of Health Management and Policy, Master of Public Health Program, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham
| | - Lindsay A Tallon
- Carly R. Levy and Lindsay A. Tallon are with the Master of Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston. Lynelle M. Phillips is with the Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia. Carolyn J. Murray is with the Master of Public Health Program, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. Rosemary M. Caron is with the Department of Health Management and Policy, Master of Public Health Program, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham
| | - Rosemary M Caron
- Carly R. Levy and Lindsay A. Tallon are with the Master of Public Health Program, School of Arts and Sciences, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston. Lynelle M. Phillips is with the Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, University of Missouri, Columbia. Carolyn J. Murray is with the Master of Public Health Program, Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH. Rosemary M. Caron is with the Department of Health Management and Policy, Master of Public Health Program, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Durham
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Alnowibet K, Abduljabbar A, Ahmad S, Alqasem L, Alrajeh N, Guiso L, Zaindin M, Varanasi M. Healthcare Human Resources: Trends and Demand in Saudi Arabia. Healthcare (Basel) 2021; 9:healthcare9080955. [PMID: 34442091 PMCID: PMC8394872 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare9080955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper estimates the impact of policies on the current status of Healthcare Human Resources (HHR) in Saudi Arabia and explores the initiatives that will be adopted to achieve Saudi Vision 2030. Retrospective time-series data from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and statistical yearbooks between 2003 and 2015 are analyzed to identify the impact of these policies on the health sector and the number of Saudi and non-Saudi physicians, nurses and allied health specialists employed by MOH, Other Government Hospitals (OGH) and Private Sector Hospitals (PSH). Moreover, multiple regressions are performed with respect to project data until 2030 and meaningful inferences are drawn. As a local supply of professional medical falls short of demand, either policy to foster an increase in supply are adopted or the Saudization policies must be relaxed. The discrepancies are identified in terms of a high rate of non-compliance of Saudization in the private sector and this is being countered with alternative measures which are discussed in this paper. The study also analyzed the drivers of HHR demand, supply and discussed the research implications on policy and society. The findings suggest that the 2011 national Saudization policy yielded the desired results mostly regarding allied health specialists and nurses. This study will enable decision-makers in the healthcare sector to measure the effectiveness of the new policies and, hence, whether to continue in implementing them or to revise them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Alnowibet
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (L.A.); (M.Z.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Adel Abduljabbar
- Department of Psychology, College of Education, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Shafiq Ahmad
- Department of Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Latifah Alqasem
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (L.A.); (M.Z.)
| | - Nabil Alrajeh
- Department of Biomedical Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Luigi Guiso
- Department of Economics, Institute for Economics and Finance, 00118 Rome, Italy;
| | - Mazin Zaindin
- Department of Statistics and Operations Research, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (L.A.); (M.Z.)
| | - Madhusudhan Varanasi
- Department of Management, College of Business Administration, Al-Yamamah University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia;
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Yang X, Lo K. Environmental health research and the COVID-19 pandemic: A turning point towards sustainability. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2021; 197:111157. [PMID: 33887273 PMCID: PMC8542966 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2021.111157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Based on a review of COVID-19 research from an environmental health perspective, this study theorizes the interdependence of the society, environment and health, and presents an integrated framework for environmental health problems arising due to COVID-19. Five guiding principles are proposed for conducting environmental health research, including employing a transdisciplinary approach, embracing complexity and uncertainty, addressing vulnerability, boosting resilience and promoting sustainable development. This study propagates that the pandemic could be an opportunity for sustainable transformation, wherein visionary leadership that facilitates sustainability policies based on environmental health science is required. This study can serve as a consolidated guide for professionals and stakeholders who conduct environmental health research in this challenging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Yang
- David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kevin Lo
- David C. Lam Institute for East-West Studies, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Geography, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
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Ryan BJ, Swienton R, Harris C, James JJ. Environmental Health Workforce - Essential for Interdisciplinary Solutions to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Disaster Med Public Health Prep 2021; 15:e1-e3. [PMID: 32660683 PMCID: PMC7403748 DOI: 10.1017/dmp.2020.242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Interdisciplinary public health solutions are vital for an effective coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) response and recovery. However, there is often a lack of awareness and understanding of the environmental health workforce connections and capabilities. In the United States, this is a foundational function of health departments and is the second largest public health workforce. The primary role is to protect the public from exposures to environmental hazards, disasters, and disease outbreaks. More specifically, this includes addressing risks relating to sanitation, drinking water, food safety, vector control, and mass gatherings. This profession is also recognized in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act of 2019. Despite this, the profession is often not considered an essential service. Rapid integration into COVID-19 activities can easily occur as most are government employees and experienced working in complex and stressful situations. This role, for example, could include working with leaders, businesses, workplaces, and churches to safely reopen, and inspections to inform, educate, and empower employers, employees, and the public on safe actions. There is now the legislative support, evidence and a window of opportunity to truly enable interdisciplinary public health solutions by mobilizing the environmental health workforce to support COVID-19 response, recovery, and resilience activities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - James J James
- Society for Disaster Medicine and Public Health, Inc, Rockville, Maryland
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Kuhn EJ, Walker GS, Wright J, Whiley H, Ross KE. Public health challenges facing Environmental Health Officers during COVID-19: methamphetamine contamination of properties. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:9-12. [PMID: 33460218 PMCID: PMC8013365 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emma J. Kuhn
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia,Correspondence to: Ms Emma J. Kuhn, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, GPO Box 2100, Adelaide SA 5001
| | - G. Stewart Walker
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Jackie Wright
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia,Environmental Risk Sciences, New South Wales
| | - Harriet Whiley
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia
| | - Kirstin E. Ross
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, South Australia
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Damtew YT, Desta BN, Sileshi A. Environmental Health Services and Professionals Level of Engagement in Different Sectors in Eastern Ethiopia: A Mixed Methods Study Design. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2021; 15:1178630220988554. [PMID: 33642861 PMCID: PMC7829608 DOI: 10.1177/1178630220988554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Environmental health (EH) services have a long history in Ethiopia, but data on environmental health services quality and the magnitude of environmental health professionals' engagement has never been addressed. This study was conducted to assess the quality of environmental health services in different sectors and professionals' level of engagement in Eastern Ethiopia. METHODS Institution based cross-sectional mixed study design was implemented. A cluster sampling technique was employed to select 83 participants. Data were collected using a pretested questionnaire and an interview guide. Descriptive, bivariate, multivariate, and thematic analysis was carried out. RESULTS Professionals' performance in most services were reported to be average or low. Only 19.5% of participants responded as having good satisfaction in their job. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed factors associated with selected environmental health services. The odds of identifying environmental problems was associated with profession (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3-7.6) and level of education (AOR: 3.1; 95%CI: 0.9-5.9). The factors contributing to introducing innovative solutions to EH problems were type of institution (AOR: 3.1, 95%CI = 1.6-9.3), profession (AOR: 3.4, 95%CI = 1.1-12.2), and level of support and emphasis offered (OR: 5.6, 95% CI = 2.2-11.9). Level of job satisfaction was also associated with the above-mentioned independent variables. CONCLUSION The current study showed low level of professionals' engagement and factors associated with the quality of environmental health services in different sectors. Therefore, Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health and other concerned ministries, agencies, and authorities should intervene accordingly to improve the service and level of professionals' engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yohannes Tefera Damtew
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College
of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Binyam Negussie Desta
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College
of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adey Sileshi
- Department of Environmental Health Science, College
of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Gerding JA, Hall SK, Gumina CO. Exploring the Benefits and Value of Public Health Department Internships for Environmental Health Students. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH 2020; 83:20-25. [PMID: 34140748 PMCID: PMC8205434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Internships are an essential component of preparing prospective college graduates for entering the practice-based field of environmental health (EH). EH professionals continually encounter events or hazards of high complexity and impact, and many experienced EH professionals are expected to retire within the next several years. Efforts are needed to ensure a supply of highly qualified and prepared graduates is available to sustain and strengthen the EH workforce. The National Environmental Public Health Internship Program (NEPHIP) addresses this need by supporting health department internships for EH students of academic programs accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council. We conducted an assessment to examine former NEPHIP intern and mentor experiences and perspectives on 1) how well the internships prepared interns for careers in EH and 2) to what extent the internships provided value to the host health department. Overall, the internships appeared to provide EH students with a well-rounded professional and practice-based experience, while health departments benefited from hosting interns with a foundational knowledge and college education in EH. Promoting the value of public health department EH internships could encourage more students and graduates to seek internship or employment opportunities with health departments, ultimately strengthening the EH workforce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Gerding
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
| | - S Kayleigh Hall
- National Center for Environmental Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education
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Akakpo CW, Lobianco A, Lollar D. Inclusion of Disability Content in Graduate Public Health Curricula. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:1509-1511. [PMID: 32903091 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2020.305882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn W Akakpo
- Carolyn W. Akakpo is a PhD candidate at Walden University. Anthony Lobianco and Donald Lollar are with the Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Anthony Lobianco
- Carolyn W. Akakpo is a PhD candidate at Walden University. Anthony Lobianco and Donald Lollar are with the Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Donald Lollar
- Carolyn W. Akakpo is a PhD candidate at Walden University. Anthony Lobianco and Donald Lollar are with the Human Development Institute, University of Kentucky, Lexington
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Abstract
Mass gatherings and high-density activities, such as sporting events, conventions, and theme parks, are consistently included among highest-risk activities given the increased potential for widespread coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission. A more balanced risk management approach is required because absolute suppression of risk is unrealistic in all facets of life. Contact tracing remains a limiting factor in achieving such a balance. The use of Bluetooth or pairing devices is proposed to address this challenge. This simple approach, when applied in a manner that satisfies privacy and trust concerns, would allow high-risk encounters to be quickly identified, namely those where participants have spent 15 minutes or more within 6 ft of each other per current guidelines. If an attendee later tests positive for COVID-19 and tracing is required, the event organizer can provide a limited list of potential close contacts rather than an exhaustive list of all attendees. Contact tracers can, therefore, limit efforts to this concise group rather than needing to contact thousands of people or conduct mass media communications. Such a system, if institutionalized, supports risk assurance and safety measures for businesses by demonstrating a commitment to staff, customer protection, and ensuring high-risk encounters are logged, reinforcing longer-term societal pandemic resilience.
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Rowan K. Hawai'i Journal Watch: Highlights of recent research from the University of Hawai'i and the Hawai'i State Department of Health. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2020; 79:211. [PMID: 32666053 PMCID: PMC7350516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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