The Urgent Need for Disaster Education as a Core Competency in Accredited Schools and Colleges of Public Health by the Council on Education for Public Health

Public Health is essential to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery. This has never been more evident than during the COVID-19 pandemic when public health was the disaster response lead. However, students are graduating from accredited schools and colleges of public health with limited or no education in disaster management. This is a crisis unto itself, and it is incumbent upon The Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH) to take immediate action. Public health preparedness should be recognized as a core element in public health curricula, and practical experiences, such as drills and simulations, are necessary to equip students with the confidence and competencies needed in high-stress situations. The need for such preparedness education extends beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a crucial step for creating a resilient and competent public health workforce capable of safeguarding community health in the face of complex and emerging challenges.