New York State Department of Health Urges Interested Candidates to Apply for State's Public Health Corps

New York State Public Health Corps Fellows Serve on the Front Lines of Health Care Throughout the State

New Yorkers with a Passion for Health and Community are Encouraged to Apply Here

ALBANY, N.Y. (May 6, 2024) – The New York State Department of Health today announced that it is now accepting applications for the prestigious New York State Public Health Corps (NYSPHC) Fellowship Program, a first-in-the-nation program created to strengthen local and statewide workforce capacities to better respond to future public health emergencies.

The NYSPHC fellows work on a variety of public health projects, including work that reinforces the state's preparedness for future public health emergencies, like those experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, mpox outbreak, and polio response. The program also enables fellows to build connections, educate on key strategies, and effectively communicate with New Yorkers during public health emergencies.

"New York State is committed to ensuring that our health departments, state and local, are prepared for potential health threats, and the New York State Public Health Corps is a great way to ensure we have the appropriate staff ready to take on the public health challenges of today and for years to come," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "Public health continues to present new challenges, and we're looking for New Yorkers who are ready and willing to help roll up their sleeves to protect our communities."

The NYSPHC has identified 200 open fellow positions across the state, with many local health departments and state health department programs actively recruiting NYSPHC Fellows. The NYSPHC Program is an excellent opportunity for college and advanced degree graduates interested in public health to transition from the classroom into the workforce. Individuals with training in public health, nursing, allied health, healthcare, social services, communications, information technology, logistics planning, education, data science, administration, and emergency preparedness are encouraged to apply.

In the past, NYSPHC Fellows have worked on various projects including the Department's nation-leading wastewater surveillance program, which was recently expanded to increase disease monitoring capabilities across New York State. An Otsego County fellow created informational and interactive data dashboards for the local health department's website so community members can access accurate and timely information by ZIP code or town/city level regarding public health priorities like COVID-19 and drug-related overdoses. Fellows have also launched their own innovative community health initiatives, including the Capital Regional Menstrual Health period pantries in Schenectady and Albany County, or assisted with campaigns like "Layla's Got You," which focuses on promoting sexual health and well-being to Black women ages 18-25 in Onondaga County.

When selected for the NYSPHC Program, fellows gain access to various professional development opportunities, including the Public Health Essentials Certificate Program, created by Cornell University's Master of Public Health Program. This innovative experiential online learning course taught by Cornell University professors aims to equip learners from diverse professional and educational backgrounds with the tools and skills needed to excel in the field of public health. This benefit is provided to all NYSPHC fellows at no cost.

The NYSPHC was established in 2021 in response to the emergent needs presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Among New York's ongoing strategies to reimagine its public health workforce are Governor Hochul's continuous investments in the state's public health infrastructure and her 2022 commitment to rebuilding and expanding the healthcare workforce by 20 percent over five years.

New York State Association of County Health Officials (NYSACHO) Executive Director Sarah Ravenhall said, "The New York State Public Health Corps Fellowship Program aligns perfectly with NYSACHO's mission to support local health departments in their efforts to promote health and wellness, and prevent disease and injury. The program advances New York's public health response capabilities and helps to address the considerable workforce shortages being experienced by the state's 58 local health departments. We are excited to celebrate previous fellows and welcome incoming fellows to the program, who are making a difference in communities by working in local health departments across the state."

Applications are now open! The Department would like to congratulate all summer and fall 2023 college graduates and encourage them, as well as expected spring 2024 college graduates, to apply to join the New York State Public Health Corps today. The NYSPHC Program is an excellent opportunity for any graduate interested in public health and preparing to transition from the classroom into the workforce.

For more information on the fellowship opportunities available visit www.ny.gov/publichealthcorps. Applications are being accepted, reviewed, and filled on a rolling basis through June 28, 2024.