Research led by JP Leider, PhD, examined declines in the public health workforce between 2017 and 2021. Conclusion: “This analysis highlights the critical urgency needed to address the shrinking state and local governmental public health workforce that has the potential to jeopardize the safety, security, and economic prosperity of the US. … Given the likelihood of increasing outbreaks and future global pandemics, recruitment and retention must be prioritized, especially for younger staff, who represent the future of the public health workforce.”
