_01.jpg)
_02.jpg)
Arnold School, DHEC develop program to enable public health workers to develop skills in key areas of need
December 14, 2010
Seven public health professionals at the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control have earned Continuing Education Certificates in Public Health Practice through the Arnold School of Public Health.
The certificate program, first offered in 2009, was developed by the South Carolina Public Health Consortium, a joint project of the Arnold School and DHEC.
The program addresses a growing need for training that can be accessed any time and anywhere by public health professionals in South Carolina.
"During the economic downturn, continuing education budgets have been slashed. Distance education is now the only option for state employees and those with limited professional development funds," said Dr. Lillian U. Smith, director of the Office of Public Health Practice.
More than 45 students at DHEC have participated in at least one of the program's courses since it was launched.
Seven DHEC employees have completed all requirements for certificates that were presented by the Office of Public Health Practice and USC's Office of Continuing Education and Conferences. The new graduates are:
Brandalyn Brewer, administrative assistant, DHEC Commissioner's Office-Business Management;
William "Bill" Collins, administrative coordinator, DHEC Region 6/ Health Services;
Judy Goff, project coordinator, DHEC Region 6;
Jane Key, sexual violence services/program coordinator, DHEC Maternal and Child Health;
Greg King, information resource consultant II, DHEC Health Services;
Sherry Murrell, regional administrator, DHEC Region 6;
Norma Wright, administrative coordinator, DHEC Region 6.
The courses for the certificate program are based on the core public health competencies identified by the Council on Linkages and include: Introduction to Public Health (prerequisite), Public Health Data 101 , Advocacy and Policy Workshop, Financial Management, Community Assessment, EBPH: Program Planning & Evaluation. All courses are offered online through mixed methods of delivery.
Each course is delivered over a six to eight week period and includes more than 100 hours of instruction, assignments and web meetings/conferences.
The Arnold School's commitment to train public health professionals is expanding. Smith and Dr. Greg Hand, associate dean for Research and Practice, recently received a $3.25 million grant to establish the S.C. Public Health Training Center, which will develop the infrastructure for public health workforce development and ensure equal access to training resources for rural, underserved populations.
