As PI, Keith Mueller led an evaluation of 13 health workforce development programs overseen by the Bureau of Oral and Health Delivery Systems in the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH). The programs were studied over several months to determine scope and impact as well as gaps and barriers to success. Eight of the 13 programs currently receive annual state-appropriated funds totaling $2,668,000. As part of the program evaluation, recommendations for fund-allotment to improve outcomes were made.

“We recommend that the state continue to target specific needs such as mental and dental health and fund approaches that promote recruitment and retention including providing expanded training,” said Mueller. “We acknowledge the efforts of the IDPH administrators to monitor program performance and shape future directions for developing Iowa’s health workforce. These programs represent the state’s response to needs of Iowans for proximate access to vital services, and ongoing evaluation will be important.”

This project was funded by Iowa Department of Public Health and US Department of Health & Human Services, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.