As new equity, diversity, and inclusion programs emerge in physician assistant/associate (PA) education, there is a need to assess baseline levels of implicit and explicit biases among PA preceptors’ and trainees. This article explores implicit and explicit race (Black/White) and weight (fat/thin) biases among PA preceptors and trainees and discusses potential gaps in PA preceptor…
With the number of public health nurses (PHN) declining nationwide, it’s crucial to understand where PHNs work, what they do, and how to address workforce development needs. However, estimates of the size of the PHN workforce vary depending on data source, and current workforce survey methods often categorize PHNs based on work setting, which does…
Local health departments (LHDs) play a critical role in advancing health equity by addressing health threats, collaborating with community partners, and embedding equity considerations into decision-making. However, research highlights gaps in workforce competencies, particularly in the confidence and skills needed to address social determinants of equity, structural racism, and environmental justice. This article examines the…
Health centers—often referred to as federally qualified health centers or FQHCs—play a vital role in addressing perinatal inequities. However, there is limited data on how various staffing models, including the presence of certified nurse midwives (CNMs), influence perinatal outcomes. This article identifies how different health center perinatal staffing configurations—including the availability and use of CNMs—relate…
Increasing evidence shows that mental health disorders are becoming more frequent and severe among higher education students, with burnout and stress being potential contributors. For graduate health professional students, these issues are further compounded by the lack of diversity in these programs, which can impact the educational and social experiences of both majority (mainly White)…
Nurses have been the backbone of the US governmental public health system, constituting the largest professional group within the public health workforce. However, while the overall governmental public health workforce has seen a significant decrease in size, the public health nursing (PHN) workforce has been particularly affected. This article addresses gaps in understanding the public…
Array, ArrayDecember 15, 2022 1 Array 45 min. Array57December 15, 2022
There has been growing interest in recent years about doula care and its role in addressing racial disparities in maternal health. Over half of the states in the US are currently exploring or in the process of implementing Medicaid coverage for doula care. During this virtual meeting our panel of experts answered audience questions about…
Navigators in the federal Insurance Navigator Program provide enrollment assistance, outreach, and education to individuals who are eligible for health insurance coverage. Their work is key to public health efforts to address inequities but continues to be poorly understood and undervalued. This article examines the navigator profession to better understand the equity work they do,…
Birth doulas, who support pregnant women during the perinatal period, have positive impacts on pregnancy and birth outcomes, particularly among underserved populations. However, health workforce-related barriers challenge the development of robust doula services in the United States. This article examines various approaches to train, recruit, and employ doulas, as well as what system-level changes are…
