In March 2023, Rebecca Greenleaf and Leslie deRosset from the National MCH Workforce Development Center (Center), in collaboration with Marcus Allen and Cynthia deSa from the VA Department of Health, were honored to present “Academic-Practice Partnerships: Working Together to Enhance Opportunities for Collaboration between Academic Centers and Title V Maternal and Child Health Programs,” moderated by Ayanna Johnson with HRSA MCHB’s Division of MCH Workforce Development. Allen and deSa shared their experiences working with the Center over the past five-plus years.
The National MCH Workforce Development Center provides a “pay-it-forward” investment in the next generation of MCH leaders. The summer internship program benefits the students through opportunities to unlock and realize their potential place as MCH leaders, and brings new energy and reminder of the “why” to the state leadership teams who serve as preceptors. It’s a win-win!
-Cynthia deSa, MSW, MPH, LCSW
The VA Department of Health is a consistent Title V Summer Internship site and hope to host two interns again in the summer of 2023. Mr. Allen has also hired an intern from another graduate program to collaborate specifically with him and the CYSHCN division.
Allen and deSa highlighted how working with the Center has and continues to increase the knowledge, skills, and capabilities of their statewide Title V team and stakeholders to execute systematic changes in maternal and child health.
The National MCH Workforce Development Center provides a very important service in the field of public health and more specifically, maternal and child health. They support state programs by offering expert guidance and support as many of us struggle to implement complex population health strategies. In addition, they are leaders in encouraging the next generation of professionals to join this wonderful profession. I value them and their work and I know that we are better off because of it.
Marcus C. Allen, MPH