#United States #Arlington #Public Health #ASTHO #DELPH Program

New Leaders in Public Health: Welcoming the DELPH Cohort 5

The latest announcement from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) marks an exciting milestone in the field of public health. The Diverse Executives Leading in Public Health (DELPH) program has welcomed its fifth cohort, consisting of 16 mid-to-senior level governmental public health professionals eager to tackle pressing health issues in their communities. Since its inception in 2021, this award-winning program has made significant strides in cultivating leadership and enhancing capacity among public health officials.

ASTHO collaborates with the Satcher Health Leadership Institute (SHLI) at Morehouse School of Medicine to drive this initiative. Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH, the CEO of ASTHO, emphasized the importance of equipping public health leaders with the necessary tools to adapt to changing landscapes. He stated, "DELPH alumni are excelling in areas such as data modernization and epidemiology, and I am confident that this upcoming cohort will be pivotal in tackling future public health challenges."

The new members of the DELPH program hail from a diverse range of public health departments across the United States, including those from Wisconsin, Michigan, Texas, and California. Among the new cohort are:

• - Syed Abbas - Wisconsin Department of Health Services
• - Jefflyn Brown - City of Milwaukee Health Department
• - Samuel Elenwo - Pennsylvania Department of Health
• - Rita Espinoza - San Antonio Metropolitan Health District

These skilled professionals represent various specialties and bring unique perspectives that can contribute to the overarching goal of improving health equity across the nation. Their participation in the DELPH program not only enhances their individual skills but also connects them to a broader network of public health leaders committed to effecting meaningful change.

Sandra Harris-Hooker, PhD, an executive member of the SHLI, highlighted the ongoing partnership's success, noting, "The DELPH program's recruitment process attracts exceptional talent that is dedicated to addressing health disparities and fostering health equity. We are eager to see the contributions this cohort will make in their respective communities."

To date, over 80 public health professionals have completed the DELPH program, with many advancing to executive-level roles or being appointed to notable national boards. Their impressive trajectories reflect the program’s focus on cultivating future public health leaders who are equipped to handle the evolving challenges in healthcare.

In recognition of its impact, the DELPH program recently received the prestigious Power of Associations Summit Award from the American Society of Association Executives. With additional support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program is poised for continued success in shaping public health initiatives.

As this new cohort begins their training, the potential for innovation in public health practices is immense. Their dedication and the program's robust framework will undoubtedly pave the way for transformative approaches to managing health disparities and enhancing public health outcomes nationwide.

For those interested in following the future achievements of the DELPH program and its scholars, ASTHO provides updates and insights through their communication channels, reflecting their commitment to transparency and community engagement in public health.

The DELPH program stands as a beacon of progress in the public health sector, proving that collaborative efforts and targeted strategies can lead to significant improvements in health policy and practice. As this cohort embarks on their journey, they carry with them a legacy of empowerment and a vision for a healthier future for all.