New Insights on the Rural Public Health Workforce, with Casey Balio and Betty Bekemeier – Exploring Rural Health Podcast

Summary: A new study using data from the 2024 Public Health Workforce Interests and Needs Survey (PH WINS) gives us our first national look at the rural public health workforce. Researchers from East Tennessee State University and the University of Washington found that rural health departments operate differently than city ones. Because they are often the only medical option around, rural public health workers provide much more direct patient care, especially for mothers and children.

Even though less than 13% of these rural workers have a formal public health degree, they make up for it with deep clinical experience. They also have a huge advantage: community trust. Because these workers live in the towns they serve and see their patients at the PTA or church, people trust them deeply. However, the field is facing some tough times. About 15% of the rural public health workforce plans to retire in the next year, and major federal funding grants are coming to an end. Experts say rural clinics need to focus on training local residents and planning for the future so these vital health departments can keep their communities safe.

For more details, see rssapp-ruralhealthinfo-org at ruralhealthinfo.org/podcast/public-health-workforce-may-2026 (opens in new tab)

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