Written by Cornell University NYS CITIZEN PUBLIC HEALTH LEADER TRAINING PROGRAM As a New York State citizen, we invite YOU to become a designated NYS Citizen Public Health Leader in your community. Over the past year, New Yorkers have come together to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and support health and wellbeing in their communities. Governor Cuomo has pledged to use this experience to build an even stronger network of community health leaders to help now — and to prepare for the future. The goal of this program is to have at least one citizen public health leader in every neighborhood and community. Leaders will understand the state of health in NY and the factors that influence health. They will have foundational knowledge related to key public health issues and skills to connect and communicate with peers, allies, and key social resources. As a citizen public health leader, you will be able to take an active role in helping your community prevent and rebuild from the effects of COVID-19. Over the longer term, you’ll be a part of an informed network that can be mobilized to share information and plan for prevention, detection, and response in the event of public health emergencies.