Region IV Public Health Training Center

Strengths-based Leadership: Creating Workplaces that Work Note: This workshop has limited capacity. This is an online, interactive workshop on February 26, 2026, from 8:45am-12pm ET. Participants will use Zoom to join with both video and audio. This workshop is sponsored by The Region IV Public Health Training Center. Training Overview “Culture eats strategy for breakfast.” Vibrant workplace culture helps retain staff and improve productivity, while toxic culture does the opposite. Leaders shape both the direction of their organizations and also shape the culture. Successful leaders are self-aware and recognize their roles in shaping culture. They can identify strengths in themselves and others and know how to leverage them to build a productive culture. This workshop uses Gallup’s CliftonStrengths assessment to help emerging and established public health leaders navigate the path of building positive workplace culture through understanding their strengths.   Prior to the workshop, all participants will take the CliftonStrengths assessment and receive descriptions of their top five strengths. These results will be discussed in depth during the workshop through the lens of leadership and creating workplace culture. This workshop also includes use of the Team Strengths Grid, which helps to visualize the collective strengths for teams of all sizes. The workshop will be highly interactive and participatory and will provide avenues to help participants bring CliftonStrengths back to their own teams. About the Trainer Dr. Ariela Freedman is an experienced trainer with 25 years of experience in education and public health, including CDC, state and local public health departments, nonprofits, and schools. She also works with corporate clients and health care professionals, with a specific focus on empowering women. As a Gallup-certified CliftonStrengths coach, she facilitates workshops that develop skills in leadership, management, communication, and team building. Ariela’s workshops are known for being interactive, creative, fun, and designed for immediate use. She is also a career transition coach who helps people make career shifts that are aligned with their strengths and values. Ariela has a PhD in Behavioral Sciences and Health Education from Emory University and an MPH from the University of Minnesota. Ariela also has a Master of Arts in Teaching. Ariela began her career as a high school English, Drama, and Debate teacher in Chicago. She later directed health programming at Head Start in Minneapolis, then served as an Assistant Professor in the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. In addition to her consulting work, Ariela is a recording artist and sings with her synagogue choir and her trio, The Mamalehs. She also teaches art workshops in her home art studio. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,404,138.  The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more

Note: This is a recording of a webinar held on November 11, 2020. Training Overview During the COVID-19 pandemic, long-standing systemic health and social inequities have been exposed and increased the risk of COVID-19 for certain populations. During this webinar we will discuss how systemic racism has historically prevented Latinx communities from accessing healthcare and other economic opportunities. We will discuss the impact COVID-19 is having on the Latinx community and how we must look at the systemic issue of race and health disparities as we move forward. The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard. This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu. About the Trainers Dr. Valeria Cantos was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. She completed her medical school in Ecuador, then she moved to Atlanta for her Internal Medicine residency at Emory University. After acting as a year as a Chief Resident, she completed her Infectious Disease fellowship at Emory. She is now an Assistant Professor at the Division of Infectious Diseases at Emory University, and an attending physician at Grady Memorial Hospital, Emory University Hospital, and the Grady Infectious Disease Clinic (IDP). Dr. Paulina Rebolledo was born in Mexico City, Mexico. She completed Internal Medicine specialty, Infectious Disease and Medical Microbiology fellowship at Emory University as well as Masters in Clinical Research. She currently holds dual appointments in the Division of Infectious Disease and Department of Global Health at Emory University and is an attending physician at Grady Memorial Hospital and the Grady Infectious Disease Clinic (IDP).  This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more

Note: This is a recording of a webinar held in 2013. Training Overview Looking at public health from a business perspective is vital, particularly in this uncertain economic time. Join us for an enlightening discussion on public health business planning with Dr. Stephen Orton. Dr. Orton will provide an overview of public health business planning, including the value of applying business principles to public health, key elements of a strong business plan and case studies where public health agencies/departments have developed successful business plans. The Models of Excellence lecture series highlights current public health issues or topics. The goal of the series is to explore the connection between innovation and public health practice as well as identify ways in which public health practitioners and health science faculty can facilitate the translation of innovation into practice.  The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard. This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu. About the Trainer Dr. Stephen Orton, co-author of Public Health Business Planning: A Practical Guide and Deputy Director, Executive Education, with the North Carolina Institute for Public Health at the Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC-Chapel Hill.  This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more

The Emotionally Intelligent Leader:  A Critical Role in Improving the Work Environment Note: This is a recording of live webinar offered on January 26, 2024 from 12:00 pm-1:30 pm ET. Participants will use Zoom to join.  Training Overview: An emotionally intelligent leader is aware of their thoughts and behaviors and how the two impact the individuals and teams they lead. The result, more productive and collaborative teams who communicate effectively. The Emotionally Intelligent Leader webinar will dispel myths about emotions’ place in the work environments and provide a foundational understanding of emotional intelligence to include an introduction to a theoretical model that guides individual and social behaviors. Participants will complete this webinar with skills and strategies to elevate their emotional intelligence for their personal and team’s success.  About the Presenter: Nina M. Johnson, EdS, LMSW, APTD has 15 consecutive years of professional experience in learning and talent development for communities, not-for-profit organizations, and government municipality.  ​​As a skilled communicator, Nina has a history of implementing innovative programs focused on learner needs and performance enhancement.  ​​Utilizing her experience as a social worker, Nina employs exceptional relationship-building skills to connect with communities and clients with honor and respect to design and implement learning and leadership initiatives that are reflective of the needs and capacity of the community. Much of Nina’s work encourages and empowers leaders and potential leaders to access vulnerability, hope, and authenticity as leadership tools.  ​ ​As a learning and leadership consultant, Nina develops, delivers, and evaluates leadership development programming and trainings for communities, organizations, and individuals. In addition to establishing transformative learning programs, Nina contributes to organizational cultures by championing initiatives to boost belonging and diversity. ​​In addition to establishing transformative learning programs, Nina contributes to organizational cultures by championing initiatives to boost belonging and diversity. ​   CERTIFICATE:  The course contains two modules: a module to access the webinar and an evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion.   This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more

Note: This is a recording of a lecture held in 2011. Training Overview The Georgia Meth Project is a large-scale prevention program aimed at reducing Meth use through public service messaging, public policy, and community outreach. Central to the program is a research-based marketing campaign that graphically communicates the risks of Meth use. The Meth Project has been repeatedly cited as a powerful private-sector response to a devastating social problem and was recognized by the White House as one of the nation’s most effective prevention programs. The Georgia Meth Project activities increase awareness of the critical nature of the Meth problem, influencing and escalating public dialogue to find solutions. Coordinating closely with local, state, and federal agencies, the Georgia Meth Project organizes a broad range of community outreach programs that mobilize communities across Georgia to assist in Meth awareness and prevention activities. This lecture will focus on the current state of methamphetamine use in Georgia, the Meth Project model, strategies and partners, and insights that might be incorporated into contemporary public health practice, training and education. The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard. This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu. About the Trainer Jim Langford Jim Langford, Executive Director and Co-founder of the Georgia Prevention Project (GPP, formerly the Georgia Meth Project), brings many years of business, public service and nonprofit experience to the organization. He has been appointed by five Georgia governors to a variety of commissions and boards in the state. He also is the founder of multiple other nonprofit organizations and initiatives. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more

Note: This is a recording of a webinar held on March 20, 2017. Training Overview This webinar recording introduces the audience to the national dialogue about public health and healthcare system integration. For the last several years, there has been an ongoing national dialogue about the need for improved coordination and integration between public health and the healthcare delivery system. With improved collaboration between these two entities, expectations are that population health objectives can be more effectively met, quality of care and services can be refined, and costs could decrease. In recent years, infectious diseases have been at the forefront of the public health portfolio and have helped demonstrate the significant need to strengthen the collaboration between public health and healthcare. The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard. This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu. About the Trainer Previously, Dr. Montero served as VP of Population Health and Health System Integration at Cheshire Medical Center/Dartmouth-Hitchcock Keene, where he helped the healthcare system advance its population health strategy. For seven years, he served as director of the Division of Public Health Services at the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. In that role, he led the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based services and prompt response to public health threats and emerging issues in the state. In New Hampshire, he also served as chief of New Hampshire’s Bureau of Communicable Disease Control, deputy director for public health emergency preparedness and response, and state epidemiologist. Dr. Montero holds a medical degree from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia. He also holds an epidemiology degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogotá, Colombia, and a master’s degree in healthcare delivery science from Dartmouth College. This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government. Read more