A recent article published in Health Affairs Scholar discusses gaps in policy and advocacy capacity across the public health workforce and the implications for effective public health governance. Using data from certification exams, continuing education records, and job task analyses, the study finds that policy and advocacy competencies are among the least emphasized areas of public health practice. The authors outline evidence-based strategies to strengthen workforce readiness, including improving policy and advocacy training within accredited public health programs, expanding accessible continuing education opportunities, and better aligning workforce development efforts with policy responsibilities at the state and local levels. The findings provide insight into workforce challenges relevant to public health leadership and policy implementation.

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