​The Pennsylvania Department of Health (PA DOH) and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) have partnered to launch TRAIN PA, the state’s new TRAIN Learning Network site.

TRAIN PA joins a growing list of TRAIN Affiliates that operate in partnership with one or more state agencies. “Public health in our state is bigger than any one agency or discipline, so it made sense for us to create TRAIN PA together,” said Tim Pollock, PA DOH Training Specialist and the state’s first TRAIN Administrator.

With TRAIN PA, Pennsylvania joins the 25 other states and three federal agencies that are part of the TRAIN Learning Network. Many TRAIN Affiliates use the TRAIN Learning Network to collaborate on workforce development and capacity building initiatives across state agencies, local health departments, and other partners.

TRAIN PA offers state and local agencies in Pennsylvania an opportunity to work closely together on professional training and education priorities within public health. Pollock notes, “TRAIN PA focuses on our greatest asset – our people – and will help ensure a competent, responsive, and engaged public health workforce” across communities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. TRAIN PA will provide health workers across Pennsylvania with access to the thousands of training opportunities that are available through the TRAIN Learning Network, as well as content specifically developed by PA DOH and PEMA.

“Our initial focus with TRAIN PA is on our preparedness audiences – emergency medical services, emergency management, and other first responders. Building on this foundation throughout the upcoming months and years, we anticipate adding courses on everything from school health to disease surveillance, supplemental nutrition to vital events reporting,” explained Pollock.

Pollock emphasized that “public health professionals in Pennsylvania, like our colleagues elsewhere, are facing a number of emerging issues, and we see TRAIN PA as a vital part of our strategy in addressing the myriad situations that impact the public’s wellbeing.” 

Health workers who live and work in Pennsylvania are invited to setup their account and access available content on TRAIN PA. If your agency is interested in joining the TRAIN Learning Network, please contact the TRAIN Team.