Training and leadership development is crucial for STI/HIV program directors at local and tribal health departments. They are facing a critical moment as they work to balance programs aimed at reducing historic rates of STIs with decreasing funding and declining workforce capacity. They need support to provide effective program management and innovative approaches in the ever-evolving social and political landscapes.

The National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Cardea Services to conduct a national formative assessment to understand what training and leadership development is desired and needed by STI/HIV program directors from local and tribal health departments/organizations.

Over 400 survey responses were received from local and tribal health departments across 49 states and the District of Columbia, and 12 key informant interviews were conducted. The findings confirmed the diverse backgrounds, roles, responsibilities, knowledge, and skills of STI/HIV leaders and their programs at the local level. Key findings were:

• Titles mean little regarding these leaders’ work, as they have many roles and responsibilities. 

• Program management, partnerships, and leadership were the top three priorities for training and technical assistance.

• Small or midsized jurisdictions (population size <250,000) need additional support to build confidence in these three priorities and interpersonal skills.

They also highlighted needs and opportunities for leadership training and technical assistance while acknowledging time and capacity are the main barriers to participating in professional development opportunities. Recommendations included:

• development of toolkits, documents, and resource guides with best practices

• peer-to-peer networks for support.

NACCHO will be using these findings to guide development of a training and mentorship program via funding received through the CDC’s STOP STDs project. This program will offer quality, flexible, and hybrid training that prioritizes peer-to-peer learning through a director’s orientation, adaptive leadership academy, mentorship program to strengthen the workforce and operational capabilities of local and tribal health department STI/HIV programs through training, technical assistance, and leadership development efforts. Please stay tuned for upcoming training and mentorship opportunities.

To learn more about the findings and recommendations, you can access the full report here.