Institute for Public Health Innovation

IPHI provides training and workshops to organizations, communities, coalitions and others on how to effectively advance health equity and social determinants of health.  Our curriculum increases awareness of health inequities; social determinants of health; equity, diversity, and inclusion; community-based participatory approaches and evidence-based/informed strategies to promote health equity.  We also provide in-depth technical assistance and capacity building for organizations that are interested in reassessing their organizational policies, practices, programs and services to assure alignment with their commitment to health equity.

Equity Health in All Policies (EHiAP) is defined as a collaborative approach to improving the health of all people by incorporating health considerations into decision-making across sectors and policy areas.  EHiAP focuses on policies, systems, and environmental changes designed to promote equitable access to social determinants of health across demographic groups and geographic areas. IPHI supports partners in utilizing this framework to achieve greater impact through improved collaboration, efficiency, equity and effectiveness.  IPHI works with individual organizations, cross-sector collaborations, and governmental leaders to develop EHiAP policies and strategies.

HEAL Cities and Towns provides free technical assistance to local elected officials to assist them in adopting ordinances and other policies that support their residents in increasing their physical activity, increasing their consumption of healthy foods and to support municipal employees in being healthy. 

IPHI provides regional leadership in expanding the community health workforce. CHWs are trained community members with a trusting and often unique relationship with the community served.  They often serve as links between community residents and the health care system.  IPHI has established a regional Center for the Community Health Workforce to support the growth of this important aspect of the public health and health care workforce.  IPHI develops and provides training for CHWs, their supervisors and health systems interested in utilizing them.  IPHI also assists partners in developing models of care and health promotion that incorporate CHWs.  IPHI is working with VDH to develop standards for CHWs, including scope of practice, competencies, training opportunities, and sustainability.

IPHI supports communities in conducting community health (needs) assessments and creating evidence-based community health improvement plans. We also serve as a backbone organization to assure effective implementation of those plans with diverse stakeholders. Our work is based on the principles of evidence-based public health, health equity, community engagement and social determinants of health.