Fight Misinformation, Take NY's Citizen Public Health Training

HUDSON VALLEY, NY — So New Yorkers are better prepared to respond to the next public health crisis, the state kicks off a new, free, citizen training program this month.

The flexible 16-hour online program is designed for people without a medical background. It is meant to help residents become citizen public health leaders, armed with information to attack the next pandemic or other crisis. Its motto: "The more you know, the safer we are."

The program is targeted to:

• Community leaders
• Public health leaders and volunteers
• Volunteers working with high-risk populations
• Outreach coordinators
• Anyone who wants to help fortify their community for the future

"With two hours of content per week, each module will build up your core knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with specific 'calls to action' to help you translate learning into action within your community and network. Each module will also have one or more live (and recorded) conversations with experts to share up-to-date information, and to answer key questions," officials said.

Cornell University developed the four-part program to build an informed network of citizens that can share information and support prevention, detection, and response in public health emergencies.

A partnership with Cornell, the state Department of Health and the State University of New York, the program was first discussed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo during his 2021 State of the State address.

"We are determined to build back better, and part of that is making sure we are better prepared for the next pandemic," Cuomo said. "Every challenge that we needed to overcome in our fight against COVID required us to work as a community to protect one another. Government played a role, but everyday citizens made the difference."

Browse through the Frequently Asked Questions section or email nypublichealth@cornell.edu to have any questions answered.

Upcoming start dates for the course include May 11, 18 and 25. Register here.