Public Health Assessment Training

Purpose

The Public Health Assessment Training (PHAT) provides you with a series of online modules on the fundamentals to conduct the public health assessment or PHA. The PHA is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)’s method to evaluate community exposures to hazardous substances from hazardous waste sites.

Father and son catching fish with fishing net in river

PHAT Modules

PHAT consists of eight accredited online modules based on a realistic environmental health case study. It includes problem-solving exercises, comprehensive resources, and references to conduct PHAs.

The PHAT modules explain ATSDR's mission and the PHA process method. They explain how to:

  • Effectively gather and document relevant PHA data,
  • Involve the community in the PHA process,
  • Evaluate exposure pathways,
  • Conduct screening and health effects analyses, and
  • Clearly communicate the PHA findings and recommendations to the public.

To sign up for and complete each module, simply click on the provided links below.

Photo of an African American woman about to addressing an ATSDR meeting participant during a breakout session.
Module 1 – ATSDR and Its Method
Learn about ATSDR's mission and its PHA method to evaluate exposures to hazardous substances.
A pipe is spilling dirty sewage into the surface water.
Module 2 – Public Health Assessment Overview
Study the PHA steps including how to effectively work with communities.
A man is making observations of a river and coastline with a clipboard.
Module 3 – Site Information and Data Gathering
Effectively gather and document site data for the PHA process.
A woman research scientist collects water samples in a river.
Module 4 – Exposure Pathway Evaluation
Effectively evaluate and categorize exposure pathways for contaminants at hazardous waste sites.
Employee women in teamwork collaboration looking at company data or analysis on PC
Module 5 – Selection of Sampling Data
Select appropriate sampling data for the analysis of the PHA process.
Closeup shot of a woman reading a page with written information
Module 6 – Data Screening Analysis
Sort through sampling data to identify potential contaminants of concern for further study.
Four young children playing outside in a backyard dirt pile
Module 7 – Health Effects Evaluation
Conduct the health effects evaluation to further analyze the potential contaminants of concern.
Young woman reading brochure in clinic waiting room.
Module 8 – How to Write Clear Environmental Health Information
Clearly communicate the PHA findings and recommendations to the community and stakeholders.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Sandra M. Lopez-Carreras

Sarah Yang

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Content Source:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry