Draper Debra A, Hurley Robert E, Lauer Johanna R
Res Brief. 2008 Apr(4):1-8.
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, interest in the state of America's public health system spiked, especially related to emergency preparedness. Significant new federal funding flowed to state and local agencies to bolster public health activities. But the spotlight on shoring up the nation's public health system has faded, and the public appears unaware of escalating threats to such basic services as disease surveillance. Local health departments face a mounting workforce crisis as they struggle to recruit, train and retain qualified workers to meet their communities' needs, according to a new study by the Center for Studying Health System Change (HSC). Factors influencing the workforce shortage include inadequate funding, uncompetitive salaries and benefits, an exodus of retiring workers, insufficient supply of trained workers, and lack of enthusiasm for public health as a career choice. Local public health agencies have pursued strategies to improve workforce monitoring and planning, recruitment, retention, development and training, and academic linkages. However, little progress has been made to alleviate the shortages. Without additional support to address workforce issues, including the recruitment of the next generation of public health leaders, it is unlikely that local public health agencies will succeed in meeting growing community need, a situation potentially imperiling the public's health.
9·11恐怖袭击事件之后，人们对美国公共卫生系统状况的关注急剧升温，尤其是与应急准备相关的方面。大量新的联邦资金流向了州和地方机构，以支持公共卫生活动。但是，加强国家公共卫生系统的关注度已经消退，而且公众似乎并未意识到诸如疾病监测等基本服务面临的威胁正在不断升级。根据卫生系统变革研究中心（HSC）的一项新研究，地方卫生部门在努力招募、培训和留住合格工作人员以满足社区需求时，正面临日益严重的劳动力危机。影响劳动力短缺的因素包括资金不足、薪资和福利缺乏竞争力、退休人员外流、受过培训的工人供应不足以及人们对公共卫生作为职业选择缺乏热情。地方公共卫生机构已经采取了一些策略来改善劳动力监测与规划、招聘、留用、发展与培训以及学术联系。然而，在缓解短缺方面几乎没有取得进展。如果没有额外的支持来解决劳动力问题，包括招募下一代公共卫生领导人，地方公共卫生机构不太可能成功满足社区日益增长的需求，这种情况可能会危及公众健康。
