Category: News

Proposal Due By: March 17, 2023

Organizational Background

Founded in 2009, the Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) is the official public health institute serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia and one of over 40 such institutes within the National Network of Public Health Institutes (www.nnphi.org). IPHI creates partnerships across sectors and cultivates innovative solutions that improve health and well-being for populations and communities across the region.  With an emphasis on health equity, our work strengthens service systems and public policy; enhances the environments and conditions in which people live, age, work, learn, and play; and builds organizational and community capacity to sustain progress. 

Public health institutes fulfill a unique and important role in their states and communities, serving as cross-cutting non-profit resource organizations that collaborate with various partners to improve community health. Underscoring the need for a public health institute in the region, IPHI has grown rapidly since its creation.  Areas of focus for IPHI’s work include leading coalitions aimed at policy, systems and environmental change; strengthening the public health workforce, and expanding the capacity of government and community organizations for effective public health action, among other priorities. Of particular note, IPHI has played an integral role in the pandemic response in the region, recruiting, training, and deploying over 1,200 public health professionals who have assisted in protecting communities from COVID-19. IPHI currently has 100 staff located across the region and an operating budget of approximately $15M. 

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Project Overview and Goals

IPHI is seeking a consultant to assess and enhance its employee experience, business operations, and organizational structure to support continued growth, innovation, and effectiveness. The organization has achieved significant expansion over the past three years and is at a key juncture in its development.  IPHI intends to engage an experienced outside expert to work collaboratively with staff to identify effective aspects of IPHI’s current organizational structure, recommend enhancements, and help implement a forward-facing blueprint for strengthening the company’s teams, roles and internal relationships, and organizational culture, including considerations for decision making, incentive structures, and business processes.   

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Scope Of Work

PHASE 1 – Assessment of Current Organizational Structure and Culture:  IPHI would like to learn from its staff how its current organizational structure is serving their needs and the mission and goals of the organization grounded in an equity lens. Internal perspectives will be aligned with effective organizational approaches to highlight opportunities to improve IPHI’s structure, culture, and operations. 

This assessment should include but not limited to:  

• Methodologies and analyses of IPHI’s organizational structure grounded in relationship to its culture, history, philosophy, and business.
• Elements for fostering the growth and success of the organization’s structure and culture.
• Assessing the key dimensions of IPHI’s organizational culture which may include but not limited to: work relationships, productivity, core values, communications, opportunities for growth, worker voice and equity, connection and community and work life harmony. 
• Factors for addressing barriers to staff needs, organizational growth and development.
• Benefits and risk to organizational structure change and any potential mitigation strategies.
• Findings and detailed recommendations to enhance IPHI’s organizational structure, culture, teams, roles, relationships, and workflows, along with workplans to move forward based on identified staff priorities.

 Deliverable: Blueprint Outlining Organizational Strategies and Recommendations to Enhance IPHI Structure, Workflows, Processes and Culture 

PHASE 2 – Organizational Improvement Preparation, Plan, and Rollout:  After agreement on organizational improvement priorities/strategies, IPHI would like support to operationalize approved plans and prepare the organization for proposed enhancements and change processes.  In order to support such a critical rollout, this implementation should include (not an exhaustive representation): 

• Timeline of plan – rollout and implementation (including measurable goals, execution, and targeted outcomes) for identified blueprint/roadmap priorities.
• Project management plan, communication, and change management strategies for the implementation phase must be identified and scaled to the organization.
• Training, education, collaborations, and/or forums focusing on staff skills, capabilities, experiences, and feedback/needs to identify wins/successes and address concerns/feedback for continued success.
• Mechanisms and tools for continuous quality improvement. 

 Deliverable: Rollout and  Implementation of Organizational Improvements Based on Plan  Priorities and Metrics 

 PHASE 3 – Implementation Activities (optional) 

IPHI may benefit from additional support during the implementation phase with project management, planning, process facilitation, and training activities.  Applicants should express their interest and capability to assist with this phase and a general outline of approach. 

 Deliverables:  Implementation Support Activities and Mid- and Long-term Plans.   

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Desired Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills, and Ability      

This RFP requires a varied set of skills, experience, and flexibility. Interested applicants including both independent consultants and consulting companies are encouraged to inquire and apply even if they don’t possess all qualifications. 

• Experience with non-profit public health organizations.
• Experience with and knowledge of organizational culture, structure, development, and change management and various organizational leadership models.
• Knowledge of organizational structures and strategies designed to optimize teamwork, shared learning, productivity and innovation.
• Experience with organizational structures and functions that are committed to advancing equity and anti-racism within organizations.
• Adeptness facilitating meetings and group processes in person and virtually.
• Cross-cultural skills and awareness related to individuals from broad backgrounds with respect to race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and individuals with disabilities, among others. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to authentically embed diversity, equity, and inclusion into the consultant process. 

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Project Timeline and Estimated Budget    

Open RFP Period: February 24 – March 17, 2023   

IPHI reviews applications and selects contractors: March 17 – 27, 2023  

IPHI’s Desired Timeline for Completion of Phase 1: April 3 – June 2023  

IPHI welcomes proposals of all cost ranges that reflect reasonable cost and value.  We anticipate competitive Phase 1 budget will fall in the range of $15,000 – $30,000. Applicants should provide a proposed budget for Phase 1 based on IPHI’s desired timeline above. Additionally, applicants should include a proposed budget and timeline for Phase 2 that aligns with the strategy in Phase 1. Phase 3 budgets are optional, though we request inclusion of information to help IPHI understand how pricing would be determined. We would like to start this engagement no later than March 31, 2023. 

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Selection Criteria

IPHI will select the consultant based on the following weighted consideration: Proposed approach, methods and timeline (40%); experience and past performance (40%); and proposed budget (20%). 

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How to Apply 

Interested applicants should send an introductory email along with a 3- to 5-page overview of the proposed approach, proposed budget, and applicant’s qualifications and experience along with three references and past performances summarizing the scope of work to RFP@institutephi.org. Please title email heading: Organizational Development Proposal: (Insert the name of consultant or consultant group). Applicants located in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia region are preferred.  

We are happy to review questions by email and/or to schedule a time to discuss any questions. We will request a virtual interview with finalists.

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For more information, visit:  Organizational Development Counsultant

A Statement from the Institute for Public Health Innovation Staff and Board of Directors: 

Last year, Virginia made history as the first southern state to declare racism as a public health crisis. It was an essential step in the long and challenging work of undoing institutional racism in Virginia’s policies, systems, structures, and norms. Then last week, The Washington Post brought to light a troubling perspective that underscores the challenges and urgency of the work ahead. Understanding racism and acknowledging its central role in creating the profound health inequities in our region provides opportunities to create the intentional change necessary to truly make a difference in the public’s health. 

This work begins with developing a shared understanding of how racism, particularly institutional racism, is defined. That work progresses by acknowledging the large body of evidence that illuminates the effects that racism has on individual and community health. Racism creates obstacles for Black and Brown Virginians to achieve their best health and for all of us to collectively address the stark disparities and inequities in health outcomes. Of course, Virginia is not unique in its history, or the ways that blatant and concealed racism affects the public’s health. This formal acknowledgment is one that many state and local jurisdictions have recently made to demonstrate their commitment to take meaningful action to address health inequities. 

While racism and gun violence are highly politicized, that does not take away from the evidence that these are significant public health issues. In addition, efforts to address them promote values that are important to share and reflect what the public health field is all about — humanity is precious and that everyone deserves health and well-being. Those in leadership positions are responsible for combining empathy with science to solve social problems and protect and promote the public’s health.  

After the Virginia resolution was passed, we partnered with the Voices for Virginia’s Children and the Virginia Public Health Association to host a 4-part webinar titled, “Racism is a Public Health Crisis in Virginia .” We encourage others to view the series for educational purposes and to identify ways to get involved. In the future, we intend to facilitate further discussions to highlight practical strategies and actions to continue to make progress. We are deeply committed to intentional action in collaborating with our many current and future partners. 

In closing, we express our ongoing support for the dedicated professionals at the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) who work tirelessly to promote health and advance health equity, often without recognition. VDH is an essential partner to our organization. Together, we have accomplished a lot to improve health outcomes. We look forward to working alongside the agency as we strive for equitable health opportunities for all Virginians.  

We hope this moment can fuel continued commitment among governmental and non-governmental organizations to work together to take another step forward in addressing racism as a public health crisis.  

April 4-10, 2022, marks the 27th National Public Health Week (NPHW) organized by the American Public Health Association (APHA). During this observation, we recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation.

This year’s theme is “Public Health Is Where You Are.” The places where you are physically, mentally, and societally affect your health and life. Ensuring everyone has a chance at a long and healthy life means tackling the underlying causes of poor health and disease risk with an intersectional approach. We must focus on inclusion and equity to ensure decisions are made with everyone’s health in mind. From here, we can build healthier communities and, eventually, the healthiest nation.

Serving the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia, IPHI has created partnerships across sectors and cultivates innovative solutions that improve health and well-being for all populations and communities throughout the region, particularly those most affected by health inequities.

We invite everyone – public health professionals, students, elected leaders, and the general public – to celebrate with us this NPHW! Learn more about NPHW and follow along as IPHI highlights two programs for each day’s theme.

Daily Themes 

Monday: Racism

Tuesday: Public Health Workforce

Wednesday: Community

Thursday: World Health Day

Friday: Accessibility

Monday, April 4 – Racism: A Public Health Crisis

It’s not a debate. Racism IS a public health crisis. Declaring racism as a public health crisis is essential to advancing racial equity and justice, followed by allocating resources and strategic action. The historic and present-day impact of racism and other forms of oppression has created dramatic differences in health across populations and communities. The twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism have only made disparities more pronounced. Together, we can dismantle oppressive policies and systems that lead to racial disparities in health. Read the op-ed, “Virginia Must Declare Racism As A Public Health Crisis,” written by IPHI’s own Dr. Michael Royster and Voices’ Chloe Edwards. Learn more about two important programs that help IPHI recognize racism as a public health crisis:

• IPHI is one of the project partners for “Stronger Partnership, Stronger Community (Stronger2),” a Fairfax County Virginia Health Department-led initiative to improve health literacy among local African-American, Black, and Hispanic communities. For more information, visit.
• At IPHI, our Healthy and Equitable Communities Training provides resources and technical assistance to organizations/coalitions committed to addressing the dramatic health inequities found in communities throughout our region. For more information, visit.

Tuesday, April 5 – Public Health Workforce: Essential to our Future

The public health workforce is necessary to address our present and future health challenges.  Public health programs need the support and involvement of the communities they serve, so building public trust and confidence is crucial to building healthy communities. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are trained community members with a trusting, and often unique relationship with the community served, and they’re an integral part of IPHI’s work. They act as links between community residences and the health care system. Expanding the community health workforce improves the public health workforce, making them essential to our future. Learn more about two important projects that IPHI helps to add capacity to our public health workforce:

• In seven months IPHI recruited, employed, and trained over 640 people as a part of the Fairfax County COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Response. As the pandemic response shifted to include an emphasis on COVID-19 vaccine access, IPHI has additionally trained approximately 1,000 pandemic responders and others within the County on vaccine outreach and education. For more information, visit.
• Through the DCPG vaccinate program, a one-year grant sponsored by Health Resources & Service Administration (HRSA), IPHI is able increase COVID-19 vaccinations in high-need areas of the District of Columbia and Prince George’s County, Maryland. For more information, visit.

Wednesday, April 6 – Community: Collaboration and Resilience

Community encompasses every aspect of our lives, including our health. The pandemic has encouraged communities to stand together, even if socially distanced, to navigate the hardships of these unprecedented times. There must be an emphasis on community-led, collaborative solutions that contribute to systemic change, build resilience, and shift power in communities. Through our collaborative work with programs and partnerships, we’re expanding healthy equity to one community at a time for a healthier region. Learn more about two important programs that emphasize IPHI’s commitment to community collaboration:

• IPHI’s initiative, the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC), is a local independent food policy council of 22 local leaders working to improve public health and community well-being for Prince George’s County, Maryland. The FEC launched three cold storage trailers in the past year to ensure fresh food is available to those in need and served on the Prince George’s County food security task force to highlight 11 recommendations to improve food security. For more information, visit.
• IPHI is a part of the DC Healthy Housing Collaborative, a multisector coalition addressing substandard housing conditions that contribute to significant health issues affecting District residents. The collaborative works to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy no matter where they live. Next month, the Collaborative will support Asthma and Allergy Day Capitol Hill on May 3-4, 2022. For more information, visit.

Thursday, April 7 – World Health Day: Health is a Human Right

Today is a global observance of health as a human right. This human right means that everyone should have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them, without prejudice or discrimination. When certain groups are excluded or treated unequally, their physical and mental health suffers. From healthcare professionals to policymakers and individuals, community members, or community leaders, we all have a role to play in our personal health and the wellbeing of those around us. Learn more about two important programs that encompass IPHI’s work to ensure health is a human right:

• Healthy Montgomery is a community health improvement process (CHIP) that improves access to health and social services and enhances physical and social environments to support optimal health to achieve health equity for all residents. IPHI works with several partners to identify and describe health disparities in the county’s populations, identify unmet health needs, and develop and implement action plans to meet those needs. The focus areas are:
  • Obesity
  • Behavioral health
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cancer
  • Maternal & infant health

For more information, visit.

• IPHI has partnered with numerous organizations to hire community health workers under Community Health Workers (CHWs) for a Healthy Virginia. The project is funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) with the goal to assist at-risk communities and populations as they respond to and recover from COVID-19. For more information, visit.

Friday, April 8 – Accessibility: Closing the Health Equity Gap

As the health equity gap continues to grow, communities face glaring disparities in health and health care accessibility. By reducing health disparities in health insurance, increasing physical accessibility to care, increasing availability of appropriate care, building more inclusive public health programs, and promoting healthy living, we can improve the health of marginalized groups. Learn more about two important programs that exemplify IPHI’s commitment to closing the health equity gap:

• IPHI’s commitment isn’t just about doing the work, it’s also about sharing our knowledge with organizations and coalitions to address dramatic health inequities in our region. Our Health and Equitable Communities Training fuses theory with practice and allows participants to apply the knowledge and tools presented in training to be implemented in their everyday work to create healthy, equitable, thriving communities. For more information, visit.
• Under RVA Breathes, IPHI worked with Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and Richmond Henrico Health District (RHHD) to employ four CHWs. The project is a six-year National Institutes of Health research grant that assessed the impact of evidence-based asthma interventions on children with uncontrolled asthma in Richmond. After a successful pilot, the project will be continued by RHHD in June 2022. For more information, visit.

The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) was identified as a public health institute example to follow, along with the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago. The article describes, “Public health institutes are nonprofit organizations that support efforts toward a more stable, robust, public health infrastructure to address health and social needs in the context of community amid intolerable barriers to good health along racial, ethnic, and other divides.”

Moving forward, New Jersey hopes to establish a state public health institute. Read more here, and be sure to check back for the Foundation’s request for proposals!

https://www.africanelements.org/news/how-can-we-prioritize-equity-in-public-health-rwjf/

The Report Offers Recommendations to Support Local School Wellness Councils in An Ever-Changing Environment

The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) are excited to announce the Supporting the Sustainability of Local School Wellness Council: COVID-19 Wellness Needs Assessment results. The report was developed in collaboration with Community Science, the project team’s evaluator.

Since 2016, IPHI has partnered with MCPS health to build the capacity of Local School Wellness Councils (LSWC) to reduce childhood obesity and improve student wellness. These local wellness councils have guided schools to identify their wellness needs and develop goals to enhance student health and well-being.

Due to COVID-19, project partners developed a survey to assess how active schools have been engaged in health and wellness efforts this past school year and to gather information on how to best meet schools’ health and wellness needs. This report summarizes the successes, challenges, and lessons learned from efforts to support LSWC’s and offers recommendations to sustain the future work of the LSWCs.

During this past school year, LSWC’s provided critical support to students and teachers around wellness. Schools offered fitness challenges and mindfulness sessions to support students emotional well-being. Schools hosted both virtual and outdoor opportunities and maintained connections with their students and families through home visits or a “walk-by” and virtual chat-and-chew sessions. In addition, schools were able to provide families with fresh produce and food assistance resources due to the significant economic impact COVID-19 had on family’s ability to access healthy foods.

Throughout the past four years, the project team has successfully implemented local school wellness councils in 110 schools, reaching 81,016 students, and developed the first School Wellness Toolkit in the state of Maryland that guides schools in how to create a local school wellness council.

To learn about their accomplishments, click here.  Funding for the assessment and report was made possible by the support of the Healthcare Initiative Foundation.

August is National Immunization Awareness Month. ImmunizeVA is celebrating in a number of ways.

In July, the coalition announced its newest mascot, Tracker. To celebrate Immunization Awareness Month, the coalition is hosting a Tracker-themed coloring contest. Expect to see her tracking vaccines across Virginia!

In August, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam issued a governor’s proclamation to recognize Immunization Awareness Month.  ImmunizeVA also launched an ‘Our Shot’ social media campaign.

Upcoming Coalition events include:

• a presentation titled ‘Influenza in the time of SARS-CoV-2’ by Dr. Jon Temte
• a Community Meet & Greet ImmunizeVA Meet & Greet on September 14 and 15
• Coalition’s annual meeting on September 24.

Look out for daily social media content and weekly educational resources around different vaccine themes each month.