Express Yourself for Public Health Discussion Series: Strengthening the Public Health Workforce Through Career Development

Using evidence-based approaches grounded in science, public health professionals promote the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, over the past year, the public health field and its science-based programs have been seriously threatened and undermined in the United States. The New York State Public Health Association (NYSPHA) recognized the toll federal actions were taking on the public health workforce and initiated the Express Yourself for Public Health discussion series as a safe space for the greater public health community to share fears and concerns and to better understand workforce needs. We hosted three rounds of this series in March, September, and December 2025. Each session was conducted via Zoom and lasted 1 hr, including a 5-min introduction, a 45-min facilitated discussion in breakout rooms, and a 10-min report out. In total, 160 individuals participated across 16 sessions. Participants spoke at length about the undermining of science, funding cuts, and misinformation/disinformation and the effect this has had on the authority of public health, employment security, and the future workforce. They shared ways they have navigated these challenges and offered suggestions for recruiting and retaining students in public health programs. Guided by our findings, we have initiated several career development opportunities including engaging members in new and existing topical, advocacy, and action-oriented workgroups; providing instruction in communications, advocacy, and leadership; revamping our mentorship program; and educating potential students on stacked certificate and dual degree programs. Similar organizations and associations should consider emulating our series to support their workforce during this time of uncertainty.