By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced that the Connecticut Department of Public Health has been awarded a $32,253,484 grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that will be used to support the state agency’s newly launched Office of Public Heath Workforce Development.
“Additionally, more than $12 million from this grant will be distributed directly to local health departments to assist them with supporting their infrastructure, their own workforce development, and their needs for post-COVID-19 recovery and rebuilding,” Lamont said during his press conference announcing the grant.
According to the DPH website, “this federal funding was awarded through the CDC’s Strengthening US Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems grant, which is a groundbreaking investment that supports critical public health infrastructure across the US.”
Other goals of the Office of Public Health Workforce Development include working with academic leaders in existing public health programs at public and private colleges and universities in Connecticut to ensure that they have the resources they need to deliver academic training and coursework that is up-to-date; cross-cutting content addressing health equity and mental health; aligning with the current standards for public health professional training; and producing graduates who are work ready.
While this is wonderful news, as all the health departments (full time, part time and districts) across the state will likely benefit from this federal funding in filling the gaps. However, the Orange Health Department must be ready to tackle ongoing public health issues and be prepared to respond to future pandemics.
I had the opportunity to update our Board of Finance, and during my presentation highlighted the importance of adequate local funding to provide essential services to our community.
The Monday before Thanksgiving each year is observed by the American Public Health Association and Research as National Public Health Workers Day, to highlight and celebrate the profound contributions and sacrifices made by the public health workforce throughout the US.
On Nov. 21, I, along with other public health directors, were invited at the National Public Health Worker Appreciation ceremony hosted by Health Commissioner Dr. Juthani. We. The Orange Health Department received an official statement of honor and recognition from Lamont highlighting all the hard work done during the pandemic.
This is a testament to all the hard work and dedication for our ongoing focus in keeping the public well-informed and provide essential services in a timely manner. While new cases of COVID-19 are ticking up, we are also experiencing a high level of respiratory illnesses caused by influenza and RSV viruses in all age groups, especially school-aged children.
It is important to monitor your health and seek out assistance from your health providers in a timely manner. My recommendations to those residents with any underlying conditions or illness is to remain up to date with available vaccines.
I wish you all happy and safe holidays.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.