Optimizing Professional Development for New York State Public Health Association Members: Findings From a Mixed Methods Assessment of Public Health Professionals.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant burden on public health professionals, with many experiencing burnout and leaving the profession. The New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA) recognized the impact of the pandemic on the state's public health workforce and sought professional development opportunities to support current and future generations of public health professionals. To achieve this goal, NYSPHA solicited input from its members and potential members via survey and focus groups as part of its New Directions Initiative. Seventy individuals participated in listening sessions, and 850 responded to the survey. While more than half felt that NYSPHA is invested in the health and wellness of New Yorkers, fewer considered NYSPHA a leader in public health or a go-to source for public health information. Only about one-third felt connected to NYSPHA as a public health professional. Participants identified multiple professional development opportunities that would encourage them to join or renew their membership including sections or special interest groups (57.4%), opportunities to gain leadership experience (56.7%), volunteering (58.1%), a new committee that addresses public health in the community (55.9%), and mentorship (48.4%). NYSPHA used the results of the survey and focus groups to provide several professional development opportunities including a mentorship program, a new Public Health in Action Committee, and special interest groups in mental health and climate change that have already made a difference in local New York State communities. Similar organizations may use NYSPHA's experience as an example for supporting their workforce to maximize impact on the communities they serve.

Assessing health insurance acquisition preparedness in university students.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess health insurance acquisition awareness, knowledge, and associated emotions among college students preparing to enter the workforce. METHODS: A 21-item survey was developed to gather data on knowledge, awareness, and emotions associated with health insurance acquisition conversations with future employers. RESULTS: Most respondents (91.1%), indicated they have thought about obtaining their own health insurance. The study found that participants rated acquiring health insurance more important the closer the respondent was to graduation; F(4,96) = 3.84, p = .006. An increase in stress emotions was indicated (F(4,96)=14.41, p = .000) and a reduction in positive emotions (F(4,96) = 2.99, p = .035) regarding health insurance acquisition post-graduation. CONCLUSIONS: College students identify low knowledge and indicate high levels of stress regarding health insurance conversations with future employers post-graduation. These findings are important for developing self-efficacy-based health education content preparing students for engaging in these conversations confidently and effectively.