About this course

This self-study course introduces learners to the fundamental tools of Systems Thinking.

Systems thinking provides a framework for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of complex problems. This approach minimizes responding to problem symptoms and the associated unintended consequences of quick fixes.

This training will provide an overview of key concepts and specific tools for use with a systems thinking approach.

Systems thinking skills were identified as one of the top new skills needed by the public health workers in a recent report “Building Skills For a More Strategic Workforce” from the National Consortium for Public Health Workforce Development.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Define Systems Thinking and describe its application in understanding and resolving complex problems.
• Explain three Systems Thinking tools (the Iceberg, System Archetypes, and Belief/Action/Results (BAR) framework).
• Apply these Systems Thinking tools to an important issue in your workplace.

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Julia Ross
  Systems Thinking Consultant Ross & Company, Inc.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

About this course

As a manager, you wear two hats that can be difficult to manage effectively. On one hand, you have to evaluate your employees and make decisions regarding promotions, demotions, salary actions, and terminations. On the other hand, you are also a coach and an advocate for your employees' success. Employees may be reluctant to be frank and discuss weaknesses or mistakes. While there is no perfect solution, this course will help you to understand the problems and provide you with a strategy to effectively balance these two inherently conflicting roles.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Apply the four-step coaching process
  
• Make clear separations between performance reviews and developmental coaching sessions
  
• Demonstrate how to listen effectively and with empathy
  
• Recognize how to discuss performance issues that will impact an employee's ability to achieve his/her goals

Enrollment and Contact Hours

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement:

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP27877 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Learners will uncover the essential components of grant writing, including where to find the right funding, the implications of different application processes, and the structural components of a grant proposal. Learners will also have the opportunity to assist a program manager with writing a grant for a hypothetical scenario.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Distinguish between different grant types
• List the three main sources of funding
• Identify where to look for grants
• Describe best practices when crafting the various sections of a compelling grant proposal
• Outline tips for winning and maintaining a grant proposal

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  Kathleen MacVarish, MS

  Associate Professor of the Practice,
  Boston University
  School of Public Health

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

In this module you will learn that improving the health of populations is complex work and demands that we define health broadly, that we measure all aspects of health – thinking about cause and effect – and that we recognize the fact that the health system is only one part of the solution for improving health.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Identify 5 factors that may impact the health of a community
• Explain the limitations of Medical Model and Lalonde model of health.
• Describe the importance of social determinants of health for a community.
• Apply Evans/Stoddart model to examine the social determinants of health within a specific community.

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  Dorothy Bazos, PhD

  Adjunct Assistant Professor
  Community & Family Medicine,
  The Dartmouth Institute
  Director, Dartmouth Population 
  Health Research Center
  

• 
  
  Jonathan Stewart, MA, MHA

  Regional Director
   U.S. Health Services,
  Northern New England
  
  

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

About this course

Have you ever attended a meeting that was disorganized, took much longer than it should have, and ended with nothing to show for it? We've all sat through meetings like that at some point in our careers. Not only are they frustrating to the attendees, but they also deplete one of our most valuable resources, time. In this training, you'll learn about the key components of successful meetings so you can plan, set up, and run a meeting that makes the best use of everyone's time.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Determine the need for a meeting
• Plan a successful meeting
• Set up a meeting
• Effectively run a meeting
• Follow up after a meeting

Enrollment and Contact Hours

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement:

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP27877 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

By the nature of their role, community health workers manage sensitive information about clients and communities. Community health worker practice relies on laws and protocols to guide their decisions about how to handle client information. One of the most important laws established to protect the privacy and confidentiality of health information is commonly referred to as HIPAA, also known as Health Insurance Portability Act. Note: If working in a HIPAA covered organization this training is only an introduction and you may still be required to attend HIPAA training through your employer. Not all organizations are HIPAA covered entities.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Define HIPAA
• List key components of protected health information
• Identify at least three circumstances where CHWs apply HIPAA during their workday
• Recognize one circumstance when you have an obligation to report HIPAA covered information

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  

  Dawn Heffernan
  

More

Dawn Heffernan is a nurse and a public health professional who has supervised and trained community health workers for over a decade. Ms. Heffernan is passionate about community health and education. In addition to developing training for the New Public Health Training Center, she is currently working for Partners in Health as a case investigator for the corona virus pandemic.


Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll button below to register for the course. If you have any trouble accessing the course, contact support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement:


This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31685 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program.” This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

Sobre este curso

Como un promotor de salud en la comunidad, una función clave es proveerles cuidados a poblaciones vulnerables para poder conectarlos con los servicios apropiados. Para lograr esto, los trabajadores en el campo de la salud deben identificar cuando debería realizarse una tarea de alcance y como desarrollar un plan de alcance efectivo.

Qué aprenderás

Tras completar este curso, podrás:

• Describir qué son las tareas de alcance y los componentes del Modelo de Alcance de la Salud
• Identificar las cualidades y características de una población vulnerable y qué inicia el trabajo de alcance
• Conocer tips que te mantendrán seguro en tus esfuerzos
• Describir cómo seleccionar métodos y estrategias de alcance efectivos
• Listar los elementos de un plan de alcance efectivo

Experta en el Tema

• 
  Dawn Heffernan, RN, MS, CDE

  Directora
  Western Massachusetts
  Public Health Training Center

Horario de Registro y Contacto

El Certificado de Realización incluirá la duración del módulo. Generalmente 50-60 minutos equivalen a 1 hora de contacto. Las horas de contacto pueden utilizarse para cumplir con los requisitos de ciertas credenciales. Confirme con su ente acreditador para verificar si este tema cumple con sus requisitos de educación continua.

¿No puedes acceder al curso? Contacta a support@nephtc.org

Reconocimiento:

Este Proyecto ha sido/fue subsidiado por la Administración de Recursos y Servicios de Salud (HRSA) del Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales de los Estados Unidos (HHS) bajo el número de subsidio UB6HP27877 “Programa Centro Regional de Entrenamiento en Salud”. La información, contenido y conclusiones son propias del autor y no deben considerarse como la posición o política oficial del HRSA, HHS o del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos.

About this course

As a community health outreach worker, a key function of the role is providing health outreach to vulnerable populations in order to connect them with the appropriate enabling services. In order to do so, community health workers must be able to identify when outreach should occur and how to develop the most effective outreach plan.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Articulate what outreach is and the components of the Health Outreach Model
• Identify qualities and characteristics of vulnerable populations and what triggers outreach
• List tips to keep you safe in your outreach efforts
• Describe how to choose effective outreach methods and strategies
• Outline the elements of an effective outreach plan

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Dawn Heffernan, RN, MS, CDE

  Director,
  Western Massachusetts
  Public Health Training Center

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement:

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP27877 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Disasters and emergencies are emotionally-charged events that occur with little, if any, warning. They can result in severe life-threatening situations, prevent vast segments of the population access to shelter, food, water, and medical care, and interfere with communication and transportation. Those affected often experience feelings of confusion, fear, hopelessness, sleeplessness, anxiety, grief, shock, guilt, and shame. Local public health workers and emergency responders assume the responsibility of ensuring the health and safety of affected people, helping them cope with the devastating situation, and re-establishing normal function. However, this responsibility can take a heavy toll on public health workers and emergency responders as well, particularly in emotionally-charged situations with widespread turmoil. Public health workers and emergency responders should be able to identify and cope with stressful situations and build psychological resilience to mitigate the emotional toll that emergencies and disasters take on them.

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Summarize the biology and physiology of the stress response and the effects on health
• Recognize three major types of stress as categorized by severity and chronicity
• Identify the types of compassion fatigue, risk factors, and coping strategies
• List attributes of psychological resilience and individual coping strategies
• Describe other types of resilience (group, family, community, cultural, organizational)
• Discuss the goals of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and five components when caring for others

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Ojaswini Bakshi
  

  MPH
  Program Director, Local Public Health Institute of Massachusetts

• 
  
  

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Behavioral scientist and professor Katy Milkman explores the inner workings of change in her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. In this course, you’ll learn about behavioral change and explore strategies you can use to achieve your own goals. You’ll also discover what keeps us from changing and how we can overcome these typical barriers to change.  

This course is provided in partnership with the Next Big Idea Club and Articulate 360. 

What you'll learn

After completing the training, you will be able to...

• Describe the value of identifying fresh start times to attempt a change
• Explain why elastic habits are stronger habits
• List 2 examples of “temptation bundling” 
• Distinguish between hard and soft commitments to identify an appropriate strategy for yourself
• Describe how emulating peers can support positive behavior change
  

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Katy Milkman

  
  

More

Katy Milkman is the James G. Dinan Professor at The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, host of Charles Schwab’s popular behavioral economics podcast Choiceology, and the former president of the international Society for Judgment and Decision Making. She is also the co-founder and co-director of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative, a research center with the mission of advancing the science of lasting behavior change. Over the course of her career, Katy has worked with or advised dozens of organizations on how to spur positive change, including Google, the U.S. Department of Defense, the American Red Cross, 24 Hour Fitness, Walmart and Morningstar. An award-winning scholar and teacher, Katy writes frequently about behavioral science for major media outlets such as The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Economist. Her bestselling book How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be was named one of the eight best books for healthy living in 2021 by the New York Times, and Katy was also named one the world’s top 50 Management thinkers by Thinkers50 in 2021. Katy earned her undergraduate degree from Princeton University (summa cum laude), where she studied Operations Research and American Studies, and her PhD from Harvard University where she studied Computer Science and Business.

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Select the Enroll Me button below to register for this course. If you have any trouble accessing the recording, contact  support@nephtc.org.

Acknowledgement: This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of award 2 UB6HP31685‐05‐00 “Public Health Training Centers.” The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

Following a short overview of the causes and mechanisms of climate change, the course reviews current and expected human health impacts, with particular emphasis on impacts in Vermont and the northeast. These include heat-related illness, water-related impacts, vector borne diseases, air quality impacts, and mental health and well-being. Because climate change affects some people more than others, populations of concern and measures of vulnerability are addressed. The course culminates with examples of strategies used in Vermont and nationally to reduce climate change impacts on health and to improve health through climate change mitigation actions. Learners can select Level 1 for an overview or Level 2 for a deeper exploration of the five types of health impacts.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to...

• Explain how and why the climate is changing.
• List the health conditions exacerbated by climate change, explain how weather/climate affects each health condition, and how we expect future climate change to modify health risks.
• List those populations more vulnerable to the effects of climate change and explain why they are vulnerable.
• Describe the health co-benefits of climate change mitigation strategies.
• Describe climate adaptation and preparedness strategies to reduce climate-related health risks.

Subject Matter Experts

• 
  Jared Ulmer, MPH, AICP

  Climate & Health
  Program Coordinator,
  Vermont Department of Health

• 
  Lynn Blevins, MD, MPH

  Clinical Assistant
  Professor,
  University of Vermont
  College of Medicine



• 
  David Grass, PhD

  Environmental Health
  Surveillance Chief,
  Vermont Department of Health

• 
  Elizabeth Faye, MPH

  Instructional Technologist
  Activist Lab,
  BU School of
  Public Health

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

Having trouble accessing the course? Contact support@nephtc.org

Acknowledgement:

This project is/was supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP27877 “Regional Public Health Training Center Program”. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

About this course

This course provides an overview of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and the risks it poses to people and pets. Learn how to monitor recreational waters for cyanobacteria (including distinguishing it from look-alikes), manage recreational waters when cyanobacteria is present, and track blooms. Information is provided on documentation through photographs, water sampling and reporting systems.

This training is intended for public health and environmental personnel, state and municipal employees responsible for management of recreational waters, citizen scientists participating in a cyanobacteria monitoring program, as well as anyone interested in learning about cyanobacteria and how recreational waters are monitored and managed from a public health perspective.

This training was developed in conjunction with the University of Vermont, Vermont Department of Health, and Lake Champlain Committee to address the concern about water quality in Vermont. Therefore, the regulations and administrative processes cited are specific to Vermont. However, the underlying science and public health implications are applicable to all states and jurisdictions.

What you'll learn

After completing this course, you will be able to answer the following questions.

• What are cyanobacteria?
• What are the risks to people and pets?
• How do you monitor for it?
• What should you do if you find it?
• How can you track instances?

Subject Matter Expert

• 
  Lynn Blevins

  Clinical Assistant Professor
  University of Vermont
  College of Medicine

Enrollment and Contact Hours

Note there are two different options for enrolling in this course highlighted in the table below.

The Certificate of Completion will include the length of the module. Generally 50 – 60 minutes is equivalent to 1 contact hour. Contact hours may be applicable towards continuing education requirements for certain credentials. Check with your credentialing body to verify if the topic meets its continuing education requirements.

If you wish to receive contact hours in Massachusetts, please go to the Massachusetts-specific training on Recreational Waters.