Advancing Workforce Development and Evidence-Based Practice in US Territories: An Evaluation of the Public Health...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Disaster Research
• Environmental Health

Background:

• US territories face high natural hazard exposure and social vulnerability.
• Need for evidence-based, culturally competent disaster preparedness, response, and recovery strategies.
• Requirement for public health workforce development in disaster-affected regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Public Health Disaster Research Award Program.
• To assess the program's role in advancing public health disaster research and practice.
• To understand how the program supports researchers in underserved areas.

Main Methods:

• Established the Public Health Disaster Research Award Program (2020-2022) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• Funded 26 research teams investigating public health disasters in US territories.
• Provided training, mentorship, consultations, and a virtual workshop for awardees.

Main Results:

• The program advanced knowledge on understudied hazard contexts and vulnerable populations in US territories.
• Awardees acquired new skills, resources, and professional connections.
• Research findings were disseminated to academics, policymakers, and practitioners.

Conclusions:

• The program successfully expanded the public health disaster workforce by including diverse professionals and students.
• Awardees are actively translating research into practice through local partnerships.
• The initiative effectively supports research and application in historically underserved US territories.