The Health Resources and Services Administration recently established a new Center for Public Health to oversee and develop the agency’s core public health policies and implement public health programs.

The center is located in HRSA’s Bureau of Health Professions, with a direct link to the Administrator’s Office.  Jeffrey D. Dunlap, M.S.P.H., will serve as its acting director and permanent deputy director.

In addition to housing the new center, BHPr will establish four additional Public Health Training Centers in 2001, bringing the total to 12.  This nationwide network of centers will offer public health students and professionals the training and continuing education programs they need to sharpen and refine their knowledge and skills.

The Center for Public Health merges public health activities previously carried out by HRSA’s Center for Public Health Practice and the Public Health Branch of BHPr’s Division of Public Health and Allied Health.  These activities include developing and coordinating agency-wide public health policy, as well as leading and managing public health professions grant programs. 

The new center will allow HRSA to integrate public health resources, increase operational effectiveness and streamline management of related activities.  It also will improve:

·        customer service by offering ‘one-stop shopping’ on core public health activities;

·        internal and external communication;

·        public health policy development, which will be based on sound public health practice experience; and

·        linkages between BHPr’s public health and workforce analysis activities. 

All allied health training and education functions formerly located within BHPr’s Division of Public Health and Allied Health have been transferred to the bureau’s Division of Interdisciplinary, Community-Based Programs.

For more information, contact Dunlap at 301-443-6853 or by e-mail at jdunlap@hrsa.gov.