PHF E-News (September 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

You’re Invited! Join Us for the 2026 Public Health Learning Forum

November 16-19, 2026

Are you ready? Join public health professionals from across the country this fall for four days of practical learning, innovative ideas, and strategies to strengthen workforce development, quality improvement (QI), and performance management!

Go ahead and leave your suitcase in storage. No need to pack travel-sized toiletries, worry about flight delays, search for a charger at the airport, or figure out how to fit four days of conference clothes into a carry-on. The 2026 Public Health Learning Forum is coming to you, wherever you are. Entirely virtual and free to attend, the Public Health Learning Forum makes it easy to connect, learn, and engage without the time and expense of travel. All who are interested are welcome. Check out the program and register today.

7 Million Users are on TRAIN. Are You?

We’re celebrating a major milestone – the TRAIN Learning Network (TRAIN) reaches more than 7 million active users! This achievement reflects the strength of our community, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make TRAIN the trusted resource it is today. As TRAIN continues to grow, we look forward to continuing to work together to strengthen public health. Learn more about how TRAIN supports both learners and organizations looking to streamline training.

Upcoming Virtual Workshops on High Performing Teams and Performance Management

High performing teams are critical in public health for building collaboration, accountability, and results. Take your public health team to the next level with the Public Health Foundation’s (PHF’s) virtual workshop:

High Performing Teams in Public Health: Building Collaboration, Accountability, and Results | October 7 & 14, 2026 from 1-4pm EDT
Explore proven approaches for strengthening collaboration, building trust, improving team dynamics, and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Performance management helps public health organizations turn strategy into action, track results, and improve performance over time. Build your skills and confidence with PHF’s virtual workshop:

Using Performance Management in Public Health | December 2 & 9, 2026 from 1-4pm EST
Learn practical approaches for developing and using performance management systems, leveraging performance data to drive improvement, aligning efforts with organizational goals, and improving agency effectiveness and population health outcomes.

Watch our Virtual Workshop video to learn more.

Mark Your Calendars for the Council on Linkages’ October Meeting

Join the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice (Council on Linkages) for its next meeting on October 22, 2026 from 2-4pm EDT. Learn more about current public health workforce priorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Public Health Infrastructure Center. Hear the latest updates on the Academic Health Department Learning Community and Core Competencies for Public Health Professionals, as well as workforce development updates from the Association of Public Health Laboratories, Council of Public Health Nursing Organizations, and Public Health Accreditation Board. All the details you need to participate will be available on the meeting webpage prior to the meeting.

PHF AI Services Help Organizations Move from AI Exploration to Responsible Implementation

Successfully adopting artificial intelligence (AI) requires more than technology. PHF’s AI and Problem Solving Technical Assistance and Training Services help organizations navigate AI through service areas including strategic implementation, governance and policy development, change management, minimizing disruption, and QI and performance management.

To further help organizations build a strong foundation for AI adoption, PHF recently released two resources: AI Change Management and Developing an AI Culture focuses on the leadership and cultural aspects of AI implementation, while the AI Governance Maturity Model: AI Chaos to Clarity provides a practical framework for assessing and strengthening AI governance. Together, these resources offer guidance for building the culture, leadership, and governance needed for responsible AI implementation.

Contact PHF to learn more.

Connect with PHF at the APHA 2026 Annual Meeting

November 1-4, 2026

The 2026 American Public Health Association (APHA) Annual Meeting & Expo will be held November 1-4, 2026 in San Antonio, TX. Join PHF on November 1, 2026 from 2:30-4pm CST for Academic Health Department Partnerships: Building on Gains from the Public Health Infrastructure Grant Program (Session 2017.0) and on November 3, 2026 from 10:30am-12pm CST for the Academic and Practice Linkages in Public Health Caucus session Dear Academia, We Need to Talk: A Candid Conversation with Public Health Practice (Session 4060.0). Learn more and register for the APHA 2026 Annual Meeting.

PHF’s eLearning Article Series: Stay Current on Public Health Training Trends and Best Practices

Over the past year, PHF’s eLearning team has published articles on timely topics, practical strategies, and emerging trends in public health training and instructional design. Explore insights and resources designed to help public health professionals create effective learning experiences and support workforce development efforts. Explore the full eLearning article series and contact us to learn more about PHF’s eLearning Development Services.

Explore New Resources in the Retention and Recruitment Toolkit

New resources are now available in PHF’s Retention and Recruitment Toolkit. This action-oriented toolkit highlights strategies within the sphere of influence of public health professionals, focusing on areas with significant potential for improvement. The toolkit is updated as resources are developed or shared; the most recent update included the National Association of County and City Health Officials’ Relationship Building for Public Health Professionals guide, the National Hispanic Health Foundation’s Hiring and Retention Toolkit, and the Trailhead Institute’s Resources to Support Sustainability in Public Health. View the new additions and email Mayela Arana with your examples, tools, or resources to share.

Fall Sale on All PHF Publications

September Featured Publication: Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia

The Public Health Quality Improvement Encyclopedia is ideal for public health professionals, providing 75 QI tools and examples that can improve community health outcomes, assist with applying for accreditation, and enhance effectiveness and efficiency. Its compact size makes it an easy-to-use reference tool.

Save 10% when you order any PHF publication through October 31, 2026. Discount automatically applied at checkout. Receive a 20% discount when you order 250+ copies. Please call us toll-free at (877) 252-1200 for a price quote on bulk purchases. Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm ET.