PHF E-News (February 2026)

Public health news, resources, tools, and information to improve organizational performance, equip the workforce, and build public health infrastructure.

PHF E-News: News for Public Health

Upcoming PHF Virtual Workshops on Performance Management and Quality Improvement

You asked for training designed for individuals, and we listened. This spring, the Public Health Foundation (PHF) is offering two virtual workshops for public health professionals seeking practical tools and strategies to strengthen performance management and quality improvement (QI) in their work:

Using Performance Management in Public Health | April 22 & 29, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT
Using Quality Improvement in Public Health | June 3 & 10, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT

Workshops include two 3‑hour live sessions with expert instruction, a workshop-specific book, presentation slides, and a certificate of completion. View pricing options and reserve your spot today.

Why Train with PHF?

Over the past 15 years, PHF has provided training to more than 600 health departments and 30,000 health department employees through live onsite and remote training and technical assistance (TA) services. We are the only organization with a comprehensive array of public health-specific tools, training, and TA in QI and performance management for state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments. Learn more about our tailored services for health departments.

Save the Date: 2026 Public Health Learning Forum

November 16-19, 2026

PHF is pleased to announce the 2026 Public Health Learning Forum, taking place November 16-19, 2026. This year’s virtual event will once again bring together public health professionals from across the country to share practical ideas, helpful tools, and real‑world approaches for strengthening the governmental public health workforce. Building on the success of the 2025 Public Health Learning Forum, the 2026 event will focus on what’s working, what’s new, and what’s ahead for workforce development, QI, and performance management. Stay tuned for more details on registration, session information, and speakers. Mark your calendar and plan to join us this fall!

Upcoming Webinar – Workforce Planning: Incorporating Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals

Looking for new strategies to assess and develop the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals at your agency? Join the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials and PHF on February 26, 2026 from 1-2pm EST for a webinar featuring representatives from the Kentucky Department for Public Health, New York State Department of Health, and Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as they share their experiences and expertise around workforce planning and how they incorporated public health core competencies into those plans and relevant trainings. Learn more and register.

Join the Council on Linkages’ March 26th Meeting

Join the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice (Council on Linkages) for its first meeting of the year on March 26, 2026 from 2-4pm EDT. This meeting will highlight ongoing efforts to rebuild and strengthen the public health workforce, featuring updates from the Public Health Accreditation Board, National Board of Public Health Examiners, and National Association of County and City Health Officials. Hear the latest on Council on Linkages initiatives, including the Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals and Academic Health Department Learning Community, and join an open discussion of Council on Linkages priorities to help shape future activities. Explore the meeting agenda and register.

PHF’s New AI in Public Health Webpage

Come and explore PHF’s new AI in Public Health webpage to find our latest artificial intelligence (AI) articles, blogs, and training designed to help the public health workforce use AI safely and effectively. PHF supports organizations in adopting AI thoughtfully and strategically through TA, training, and practical resources that promote safe and impactful implementation. Learn more about PHF’s AI Services.

New on TRAIN: Access Training Plans with a Single Click

Navigating the TRAIN Learning Network (TRAIN) has just become even easier. With the addition of a ‘Training Plans’ option to the main navigation bar, learners can instantly find curated collections of courses on public health and emergency management topics such as measles, rural health, data science, recruitment and retention, and preparedness. Check out this new feature today to enhance professional development for you and your staff.

Working with SMEs: Simple Tips for Better eLearning

Collaborating with Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) can be one of the most valuable and challenging parts of developing effective eLearning. In this new article, PHF shares practical strategies for setting expectations, simplifying communication, and keeping projects moving even when SMEs are stretched thin. You’ll learn how to guide SMEs toward learner‑focused content, streamline reviews, and build strong working relationships that produce better training with less frustration. Read more today.

Ready to create engaging training? Contact PHF to start your eLearning project.

New Health Literacy Training and Certification Program Launches on TRAIN

PHF is pleased to announce the introduction of the Health Literacy Specialist Certificate Program and health literacy course modules from the Institute for Healthcare Advancement (IHA). The certificate program, available through TRAIN, consists of seven individual and stackable micro-credentials within critical health literacy domains, offering 49 hours of continuing education credit. Also now available: PlainLanguage Pro, a skills-based course for health communication design, writing, and numeracy integrating health literacy practices. IHA enables, educates, and supports health professionals and organizations through industry-leading learning resources and networking communities. Group discounts available on all programs.

AHD Partnerships to be Highlighted at ASPPH Annual Meeting

Attending the 2026 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (ASPPH) Annual Meeting in March? Add Bridging Academia and Practice: Advancing Academic–Health Department Partnerships for a Future-Ready Workforce (Session B3.4) to your agenda and explore academic health department (AHD) partnerships and resources available to support developing or strengthening these partnerships. Learn more and register to join.

Building Student Career Pathways: A Public Health Professional’s Toolkit

A new Student Career Pathways Toolkit is now available from the New England Public Health Training Center. This online resource helps preceptors, academic institutions, and community partners create and implement high quality student pathways into public health careers. Whether you’re building a new program or strengthening an existing one, the toolkit includes a variety of peer-generated tools and templates that you can adopt directly or adapt to meet your needs. Explore best practices for structuring a program; get advice on effective recruitment, hiring, and onboarding; find and secure funding; and more. Access the toolkit today.

Complete PHF’s eLearning Needs Survey

PHF’s eLearning Development Services team wants to hear from you! We’re collecting input to help prioritize the development of online eLearning courses for health professionals. By participating in this brief survey, you’ll help guide the creation of training that truly supports organizations like yours. Thank you for taking the time to share your insights!