Individual and organizational factors associated with public health workforce competencies to advance health equity.

Little is known about how to develop public health workforce capacity for health equity work. We explored associations of individual and organizational characteristics of local public health departments (LHDs) with competencies essential for advancing health equity. Data included responses of 29,751 staff from 742 LHDs in 48 states to the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey, plus LHD characteristics and county demographics.

Low birthweight rate differences associated with distinct perinatal staffing mixes at federally funded health centers.

Health centers (sometimes referred to as "federally qualified health centers") can play an important role in addressing perinatal inequities. However, there is limited information on how different staffing models in health centers contribute to perinatal outcomes, including the availability of certified nurse midwives (CNMs). Using 2011-2021 Uniform Data System files, we examined 4 staffing models in 1385 health centers: those with no CNMs or obstetricians-gynecologists (OBs) ("non-CNM/OB"), CNM-only, OB-only, and both CNMs and OBs ("CNM/OB").

Association of Federal COVID-19 Funding Distributions With Workforce and Capacity in Health Centers.

Using novel national data, we examined the association between 2020 federal COVID-related funding targeted to health centers (i.e., H8 funding) and health center workforce and operational capacity measures that may be important for preserving patient access to care and staff safety.

COVID-19 Federal Funding To Health Centers: Tracking Distribution, Locations, And Patient Characteristics.

In 2020 and 2021, health centers received federal funding to support their COVID-19 pandemic response, yet little is known about how the funds were distributed. This study identified ten sources of funding distributed to 1,352 centers, ranging from $19 to $1.22 billion per center.

Burnout, Exhaustion, Experiences of Discrimination, and Stress Among Underrepresented and First-Generation College Students in Graduate Health Profession Education.

Objectives: Mental health disorders are increasing among health profession students. Compounding this, students from underrepresented backgrounds may face additional stressors and challenges. The aims of this study were to: (1) assess the extent to which burnout, exhaustion, experiences of discrimination, and stress exist among students in dentistry, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, and physical therapist professional education programs; (2) determine if there are significant differences by key demographic characteristics (those who are first-generation college students [FGCSs], a member of an underrepresented minority [URM] group, or both); and (3) highlight strategies and solutions to alleviate these challenges identified by students.