Submitted By
Dr. Theresa Chapple, Public Health Director
Reviewed By
Erin E. Baynes, Assistant to the Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
A Resolution Authorizing the Submission of a United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Application for a Public Health Associate to Assist the Village’s Public Health Department with Violence and Injury Prevention Programs, HIV Surveillance Based Services, and other Health Education Projects from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2026
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Overview
Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) provides hands-on work experience for new graduates of an undergraduate or graduate health program. As a host participant in this CDC program, the Public Health Department will be provided a CDC employee to work at the Village of Oak Park as a Public Health Associate for two years. This associate will work on projects from the Health Education Team’s portfolio. The associate will also help implement injury prevention public health programming that aligns with the Board’s Community Health and Safety goals.
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Recommendation
Recommendation
Adopt the Resolution.
Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Public Health Associate Program (PHAP) is a training program for early-career public health professionals who have a recent college degree and an interest in public service and public health. Throughout the two-year program, associates complete a comprehensive training curriculum and work at a host organization to gain hands-on experience. As a host participant in this CDC program, the Public Health Department will be provided a CDC employee to work at the Village of Oak Park as a Public Health Associate for two years. This associate will work on projects from the Health Education Team’s portfolio. The associate will also help to implement injury prevention public health programming that align with the Board’s Community Health and Safety goals. PHAP program is a way for local health departments to build staffing capacity without any impact on a local health department’s budget. By adding the CDC employee to the Health Department, the department will have greater capacity to further department goals outlined in the strategic plan and Board goals and objectives. The PHAP appoints an associate to serve as a CDC employee for a fixed two-year tenure. Upon completion of this term, the associate transitions out of the program, thereby concluding their service within the Village.
Fiscal Impact
As a PHAP associate is an employee of the CDC, there is no obligation to the Village to provide salary or benefits. Additional costs are expected to fall within the approved department budget, specifically within the allocation for educational work and campaigns.
DEI Impact
The addition of a CDC employee to supplement the work of the Health Department will allow for enhanced staff support and greater capacity for current programming and provide the opportunity for additional programs to further equitable and inclusive public health within the community.
Alternatives
Not adopt the Resolution.
Previous Board Action
The Board approved a previous PHAP application in the fall of 2021.
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
N/A
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
The grant period is October 2024 through September 30, 2026
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
N/A