The Next Generation of American Indian Public Health Workers: What We Learned From The PHWEIC Project

American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) populations experience more health disparities than any other racial/ethnic group in the United States.  Developing a skilled AIAN public health workforce is one way to address health disparities and build a new generation of public health workers.  This qualitative evaluation found that Public Health Workforce Expansion in Indian Country (PWHEIC) promoted learning, capacity, and interest in public health.  There is a need to take recommendations and themes from this study and apply them to future work of the PHWEIC grant in Indian Country.  By creating an interest in public health among future Tribal college students, providing current students with public health education, and offering partnerships with Tribal Health programs for work experience, the overall health of Native communities can be improved through public health efforts.  The public health workforce is a valuable source of resilience and strength.