CURRENT INITIATIVES

Crisis Decision-Making for Agile Public Health Leadership: A Novel Intervention

In times of public health crisis, the ability to make timely, well-informed decisions can mean the difference between chaos and coordination. The COVID-19 pandemic and chronic funding has led to a national public health emergency workforce crisis nicknamed “The Great Resignation”, whereby health departments much contend with significant barriers, including:

  • High turnover and burnout
  • Lack of effective, public health-centered leadership and crisis decision-making development resources
  • Limited access to affordable, context-relevant educational tools

These challenges compromise readiness and slow response in critical moments. Our novel Crisis Decision-Making for Agile Public Health Leadership intervention addresses this gap by equipping leaders with practical tools, evidence-based processes, and the confidence to act decisively under pressure.

What Is It?

This intervention seeks to:

  • Strengthen situational awareness capabilities

  • Bridge the gap between emerging and senior-level public health leadership
  • Improve communication and coordination among teams
  • Create a resilient, ready, and responsive public health preparedness workforce within Region 6

Intervention Components: 

Interactive Educational Course
This course blends theoretical foundations, practical case studies, and scenario-based exercises to empower PHEP practitioners to develop and apply skills for rapid situation assessment, precise problem framing, rigorous analysis, and decisive action implementation.
Scenario-Based Tabletop Exercise
This hands-on simulation gives teams a chance to apply what they’ve learned, test their communication and coordination, and reflect on performance.
Quick Reference Tool
Designed for use during real-time public health emergencies, this tool helps teams follow standardized steps during high-stakes situations.

What’s Next?

The intervention is currently undergoing development with pilot testing in two STLT Health Departments to begin in September 2025.
Findings from these pilots will inform future improvements and regional dissemination. Results will be shared through evaluation reports,
peer-reviewed publications, and toolkits designed for replication in other jurisdictions.