Public Health Training Series in Maryland This session was designed to enhance participants skills in carrying out effective strategic thinking and planning for public health. To help meet this goal: strategic thinking and strategic planning will be compared; examples of public health planning will be analyzed; a situational strategic analysis tool (i.e., SWOT) will be examined; and a current public health planning process (i.e., the MAPP process of the National Association of County and City Health Officials) will be discussed. The session is linked with the following public health core competencies: Analytic/Assessment Skills: Obtains and interprets information regarding risks and benefits to the community
Policy Development/Program Skills: Decides on appropriate course of action
Leadership and Systems Thinking Skills: Identifies issues that may impact delivery of essential public health services | 
