Local Public Health Workforce Report
CLHO’s updated Local Public Health Workforce Report provides a detailed look at staffing trends, wage data, and recruitment and retention challenges across Oregon’s 33 Local Public Health Authorities. Building on the 2021 report, this edition presents new data, identifies ongoing barriers—such as low pay and leadership turnover—and outlines actionable policy recommendations.
Developed through surveys, focus groups, and collaboration with OHA, the report supports legislative and funding efforts to build a stronger, more sustainable public health workforce.
“We don’t wait until there is a fire to ask for funding for the local fire department. Their funding structure allows them to respond immediately when a fire starts. We should fund public health the same way – if we have to wait for another public health emergency to receive funding for essential programs, more people will suffer and more people will die…”
Philip Mason-Joyner
CLHO Board Chair (2024-2025)
- 2022 Local Public Health Workforce Report
In March 2022, the Coalition of Local Health Officials released its first Local Public Health Workforce Report. This report captures the full-time equivalents working in Oregon Local Public Health, pay scales for key positions in public health departments, and themes about recruiting, hiring, and retaining the local public health workforce.
Oregon’s Local Public Health Workforce Report, 2021.
CLHO Workforce Report One-Pager
Press Release: Oregon Coalition of Local Health Officials Release Workforce Report Highlighting Challenges to Hiring Local Public Health Professionals
Willamette Week: Oregon Faces Public Health Nurse Shortage