The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted systemic inequities in the public health workforce, including the lack of inclusive skills and community representation during emergency response efforts. An expansive public health workforce brings valuable lived, cultural, and linguistic experiences. It creates an environment where everyone feels welcomed and has a sense of belonging.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Public Health Workforce Development Grant (CDC-RFA-TP18-1802) and the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (CDC-RFA-OE22-2203) fund the Workforce Pathways Program. The program integrates lived experience, inclusivity, and a range of skills into the public health workforce. Our goal is to represent communities in all the geographic regions across Washington state.
Core Components
- Paid professional opportunities
- Professional learning opportunities within the Washington State Department of Health
- Professional development and skill building
- Professional coaching and mentorship
- Equity, access, inclusion, belonging and cultural awareness
Core Values
- Invest in people with lived experience through paid professional opportunities and training.
- Develop foundational public health knowledge and skills.
- Develop meaningful and valuable networks and partnerships in the community.
- Create change through career and professional mentorships.
- Build a strong public health workforce by providing tools and resources for professional and career success.
Four Areas of Focus
- Pathways Professionals and interns
- Community investments
- Mentorship
- Professional development and training