Methods
Survey Sample and Design
The Department of Health Management and Policy at the
University of New Hampshire (UNH), developed and
conducted a formal online and anonymous survey of all
LHDs in New England. Specifically, the directors of the
LHDs were surveyed after being identified from the
NACCHO Program Directory. Six hundred and sixty-three
LHDs were surveyed in the New England states (Connecticut,
Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode
Island, and Vermont). Based on an extensive literature and
website review of public health curricula in academic
institutions and educational services of a LHD, survey
questions were developed regarding how such public health
system partnerships between academia (defined as two- and
four-year undergraduate colleges and universities) and
LHD practitioners can facilitate public health education
and contribute to the public health workforce. The survey
was pilot tested nationally among a small group of LHD
directors and public health faculty. The survey was subsequently
revised where appropriate for clarification purposes.