FIGURE 1
Steps in the Public Health Assessment Process
Develop a Site Strategy ( Including a Site Conceptual M odel)
Collect Site Information
E stablish Communication M ech anisms
Select Sampling Data
Conduct Scientific E valuations Exposure Pathw ays (Define Exposure U nits) Screening EPCs and Exposure Calculations In-Depth Toxicological Effects
Define Roles and Responsibilities
Steps in th e Public H ealth Assessment Process
Summarize Findings and Nex t Steps
Initiate Site Scoping
Note. EPC = exposure point concentration.
technical tools, and significant details on the scientific technical evaluation processes. In April 2024, ATSDR held the inaugural modernized training course: Diving Deeper Into the PHA Process. The course was attended by approximately 60 scientists, including ATSDR sta, state cooperative agreement part- ners, and international colleagues. Before the in-person training, participants completed several prerequisites to obtain an understand- ing of the ATSDR PHA process. During the training, participants expanded their knowledge of the PHA process by engag- ing in lectures and viewing demonstrations of ATSDR tools. Then, they applied the learn- ings in individual or small group exercises. In addition to enhanced learning about commu- nity engagement and outreach eorts, partici- pants received comprehensive instruction on site-specific technical evaluation processes such as exploratory data analyses, chemical screenings, exposure point calculations, and
toxicological evaluations. The small group exercises focused on using a site-specific case study to perform these evaluations. The exer- cises used ATSDR tools, such as the Public Health Assessment Site Tool (PHAST), the Exposure Point Calculation Tool, and The Shower and Household Water-Use Exposure Model (Burk et al., 2022). One day of the training was dedicated to a realistic field practicum. During the practi- cum, participants rotated through stations that included a mock site visit, demonstra- tions of environmental media sampling, com- munity interviews, and a public meeting to provide participants an opportunity to prac- tice eective partner engagement. The technical evaluations culminated in each group developing key conclusions and recommendations, and presenting them in front of a large audience. This component was interactive. The audience asked questions related to the conclusions and recommenda-
tions, which allowed the training participants to use the skills they gained during the week- long course. This exciting event concluded with rounds of lightning talks on a variety of topics and a team-building experience. For- mal and informal feedback received from par- ticipants was overwhelmingly positive, with requests for additional trainings and a contin- uation of the new modernized course. Future Oerings The new modernized training is designed to expand public health infrastructure. Spe- cifically, it was designed to increase environ- mental knowledge and skills while using the ATSDR PHA process to evaluate exposure to hazardous substances. ATSDR plans to revise the curriculum based on evaluation feedback and to continue to oer the course annually for ATSDR sta, partners, and international colleagues. Additionally, due to the excite- ment about and success of the inaugural
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September 2024 • Journal of Environmental Health
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