Better together: a program to increase the public health corps in the southeast United States

Abstract Background This undergraduate public health program implemented in the southeastern United States addresses the need for an expanded public health corps to fill health service gaps underscored by the Covid-19 pandemic, including a shortage of personnel with the skill to function on emergency frontlines; workforce development resources; and socially just healthcare programs to support under-resourced areas. Objectives To enhance student knowledge of public health and increase volunteers available for emergency and public health response within local, state, and global communities. After program participation, how confident did participants feel that they could know what to do in the case of an emergency? After program participation, how knowledgeable did participants feel that they would know what to do to protect others in the case of an emergency? After program participation, how aware were participants about the issue of public health response and preparedness? Results 216 students were recruited at a university in the southeastern United States, and 75% completed 30 hours of modules, immersion activities and skill-based trainings. Almost all (91%) were pre-nursing/nursing or public health majors. The majority of participants (90%) indicated a level of agreement with the statement, “I am confident that I know what to do in the case of an emergency” and 93% indicated a level of agreement with the statement, “I would know what to do to protect others in the case of an emergency”. Almost all participants (96%) indicated a level of agreement with the statement, “My awareness of public health response and preparedness has increased due to participation in the project”. Qualitative results mirrored a similar strong level of support for the program. Conclusions Students who complete appropriate training play an essential role in pandemic management and the broad training the medical workforce receives can also be applied to diverse disaster scenarios. Key messages • The goal of the project was to enhance undergraduate student knowledge of public health. • The secondary goal of the project was to increase the number of students available to volunteer for emergency and public health response in local, state, and global communities.