Leveraging the Public Health Infrastructure Grant to Support Alabama’s Workforce Training Needs Assessment

Background. In 2024, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) leveraged the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) to support the development and training of Alabama’s public health workforce. Technical assistance was provided by the Region IV Public Health Training Center evaluation team to conduct ADPH’S Workforce Training Needs Assessment. Purpose. The purpose of this Research Brief is to report key findings from this needs assessment and discuss implications for public health practice in the Deep South. Methods. The evaluation team administered an online survey through Qualtrics to report key measures. Results. Survey responses were received from 1,434 ADPH employees for a response rate of 54%. Demographic characteristics of survey respondents reflected the ADPH workforce. Mid- and senior-level staff rated the training topics of Health Equity, Public Health Sciences, and Community Partnerships as important but the need for training as only somewhat needed. Perceptions of support were high, but potential reasons for leaving the organization included low pay, unfavorable work environment, no opportunity for advancement, and burnout. Conclusion. Results of this assessment will inform ADPH’s Workforce Development Plan, a key component of national accreditation. Assessments from multiple states may allow regional training centers to develop targeted trainings to meet needs across states (e.g., Deep South).