{"id":2034,"date":"2025-11-05T21:09:08","date_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:09:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/manoa.hawaii.edu\/publichealth\/?p=2034"},"modified":"2025-11-05T21:09:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-05T21:09:23","slug":"building-hawai%ca%bbis-public-health-workforce-innovations-challenges-and-opportunities","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/manoa.hawaii.edu\/publichealth\/2025\/11\/05\/building-hawai%ca%bbis-public-health-workforce-innovations-challenges-and-opportunities\/","title":{"rendered":"Building Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s public health workforce: Innovations, challenges and opportunities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The COVID\u201119 pandemic revealed just how vital Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s public health workers are\u2014from keeping water safe to tracking disease outbreaks. A new Hawai\u02bbiJournal of Health & Social Welfare<\/em><\/a> (HJH&SW) Special Issue maps out challenges, innovations, and opportunities shaping the future of public health in the islands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Guest edited by University of Hawai\u02bbi at M\u0101noa faculty members Tetine Sentell and Rebekah Rodericks from the Department of Public Health Sciences<\/a> in the Thompson School of Social Work & Public Health<\/a>, and Lola Irvin from the Hawai\u02bbiState Department of Health<\/a> (DOH) along with many statewide partners, this special issue serves as a roadmap for sustaining and expanding Hawai\u02bbi\u2019s diverse public health workforce. Conceived in response to the extraordinary efforts and capacity strains experienced during the pandemic, it highlights the urgency and opportunity to grow a workforce in ways that reflect and serve Hawai\u02bbi\u2019scommunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Workforce challenges and urgent needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Public health professionals help ensure clean air and water, safe food, and healthy environments for all residents. Yet, chronic underfunding, staff shortages, and burnout threaten this essential work. A recent DOH survey found that 43% of DOH employees (compared to 36% of other state employees) were considering leaving within a year. The department also reported a 30% vacancy rate, highlighting the ongoing workforce shortage. Nationally, public health and prevention make up less than 5% of all health spending and are often a target for budget cuts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Areas of innovation and resilience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Despite these challenges, the special issue also provides solutions and successes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n