Are you a new or aspiring local health official? Would you like to learn more about practical tools and tactics to help you meet the challenges of your new job?

Then you should consider applying for Survive and Thrive, a learning opportunity designed to enhance the skills of new local health officials—the top executives at local health departments. The program is offered by the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO), which has previously led two Survive and Thrive cohorts and is planning to launch the third cohort in fall 2012.

As a Survive and Thrive Fellow, you will gain practical tools and tactics to help engage elected officials and community partners; best manage strategic planning and human, financial, and information resources; and bolster your ability to resolve challenges unique to your new role at a local health department.

Applications are now open and space is limited for this valuable learning opportunity. Please visit NACCHO’s Survive and Thrive webpage for application details including deadlines and requirements.

As space permits, Survive and Thrive will also be open to aspiring local health officials—local health department staff who are being groomed for a local health official position in the near future. These applicants have a leadership position within the LHD and are often second in command to the administrator of the local health department; such positions include deputy health directors, senior directors, division directors, assistant commissioners, and deputy health officials.

NACCHO is also seeking applications from coaches- a current or experienced local health official who will serve as mentors to Survive and Thrive fellows.

Applications are due by 11:59 PM ET on Monday, October 15, 2012. Applicants will be notified regarding acceptance by November 1, 2012. Apply today!

For application-related inquiries, please contact NACCHO’s Survive and Thrive team at surviveandthrive@naccho.org.