DC Vaccine Alliance

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DC Vaccine Alliance

The DC Vaccine Alliance, funded by DC Health, builds and sustains a coalition of immunization stakeholders dedicated to promoting vaccination across the District.

The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) leads the DC Vaccine Alliance through a grant from DC Health. The coalition increases immunization rates and reduces vaccine-preventable diseases in Washington, DC. We bring stakeholders from diverse sectors together to educate healthcare providers and the community about vaccine best practices.

DC Vaccine Alliance priorities include:

Understanding attitudes and perceptions around immunizations and awareness of school vaccination requirements

Strengthening partnerships among immunization advocates to align messaging and outreach efforts

Addressing barriers to vaccination and supporting providers in achieving recommended immunization coverage

Enhancing access to accurate and up-to-date vaccine information through digital resources and community engagement

The Alliance serves as a central hub for immunization initiatives, collaborating with key stakeholders to improve vaccine uptake across all populations.

As a member, you engage through our three committees:

Community Outreach – Builds public awareness and drives education efforts

Advocacy – Strengthens policies that support vaccination efforts

Provider Education – Enhances vaccination services and fosters provider collaboration

If you’re interested in learning more or participating, contact us below or follow us social media:

Resources

To learn more about the DC Vaccine Alliance and how you can contribute to this important initiative, please contact us at [email protected].

Nourishing Success through School Meals Report

The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) and partners created this report to improve student health and academic outcomes by identifying and addressing barriers to school meal access in Prince George’s County, Maryland.

The Institute for Public Health Innovation (IPHI) and the Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC) are currently engaging with students, parents, and school leadership to learn about the perceptions and barriers influencing participation in school nutrition. The team would like to partner with the Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Food and Nutrition Services to develop and implement strategies to increase school meal participation across the county. The FEC will also leverage other key food and community health partners to expand and execute the identified strategies. The intended impact includes improvements to both student health and academic outcomes, promotion of school wellness, and environmental sustainability. This initiative is funded by Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign.

To download the report, click: here

To view the executive summary of the report and recommendations, click: here

Health Equity Research Hub (University of Maryland School of Pharmacy)

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Health Equity Research Hub (University of Maryland School of Pharmacy)

IPHI is proud to support the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s PATIENTS Program as it establishes a Health Equity Research Hub. With a $9.4 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Common Fund, this hub is dedicated to advancing health equity through community-led research initiatives.

As a key partner, IPHI brings its expertise in community engagement and capacity building to this groundbreaking initiative aimed at addressing social determinants of health nationwide.

As part of the PATIENTS Program Health Equity Research Hubs, IPHI is co-leading the Research Capacity Building and Training Unit alongside University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) School of Pharmacy and other community experts. This unit focuses on empowering communities with the tools and training needed to lead impactful health equity research. By fostering collaboration between academic institutions and community organizations, this Hub will ensure that the voices of under-resourced populations are not only heard but are central to shaping research interventions that promote structural change.

Supporting Community-Led Interventions Nationwide

IPHI’s involvement in this initiative reflects our commitment to bridging the gap between public health innovation and community needs. By providing technical assistance, capacity-building resources, evidence-based training, and supporting the development of rigorous, community-led health equity interventions, we aim to help local leaders across the country drive meaningful improvements in health outcomes.

This Health Equity Research Hub is more than just a research initiative—it is a catalyst for transforming how health equity interventions are developed and implemented. Through collaboration with community partners and institutions like UMB, IPHI is helping create a future where all communities have the opportunity to achieve health equity. IPHI’s partnership with the PATIENTS Program at UMB exemplifies our longstanding mission to advance public health solutions that empower communities and address social determinants of health. Together, we are working to change the landscape of health equity research, ensuring that communities across the country lead the way in creating a healthier, more equitable future for all.

For more information, visit: https://news.pharmacy.umaryland.edu/patients-program-receives-9-4-million-grant-to-start-a-health-equity-research-hub-at-umb/

To learn more about the Health Equity Research Hubs, please contact the senior health program specialist at The PATIENTS Program, Tralisa Colby, MPH at [email protected].

Contact

VOA Older Adult Housing Technology Research Project

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VOA Older Adult Housing Technology Research Project

Volunteers of America (VOA) partnered with IPHI to identify and assess the feasibility of integrating technology and health solutions in Southwest DC.  

IPHI is excited to partner with Volunteers of America (VOA) to improve the quality of life for low-income older adults in Southwest DC.

In 2028, VOA will open Buzzard Point, one of its most visible and innovative older adult housing developments. The 110-unit affordable housing will help address inequities and injustices for economically disadvantaged communities. The housing and services at Buzzard Point will support the health and well-being of its residents, enabling them to age safely in their homes and communities. This site will integrate technology, health, and housing to benefit a diverse population.

IPHI will identify and assess the possibility of adding technology and health solutions to create more supportive, engaging, and healthy living. This project will conduct research to understand the community’s needs, preferences, and challenges to develop targeted interventions that promote well-being, independence, and social connection.

Our evaluation and research process involves a comprehensive approach, including:

Community Engagement: Building strong partnerships with local organizations, advocates, and healthcare providers to ensure our work aligns with community needs and priorities.

Data Collection: Gathering rich and diverse data through Photovoice, focus groups with various groups (e.g. advocates, local organizations, caregivers, healthcare providers, etc.), and interviews with technology experts.

The team will leverage the project’s findings to advocate for policy, systems, and environmental changes that support healthy aging and digital equity. The team will conduct this research through September 2025.

This project is funded by the Humana Foundation and supported by a network of dedicated research and community partners, all working together to make a lasting impact on the lives of older adults.

For more information, view this fact sheet.

To learn more about the VOA Older Adult Housing Technology Research Project and how you can participate in this community initiative, please contact Senior Program Manager Christine Stewart at 202-350-3960 or email [email protected].

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Rural Multiple Sclerosis Solutions

Rural Multiple Sclerosis Solutions

Improving access to diagnostic and support resources for rural populations impacted by multiple sclerosis in Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia.

In 2022, IPHI expanded its focus to include support for people living with multiple sclerosis (MS) and medical providers in rural areas. This 3-year project is funded by the Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation.

Through the project, IPHI and various community partners will:

Create a tool to simplify navigation for people seeking MS resources.
Provide education and training to service providers.
Improve access, delivery, and use of MS care for people living with MS in rural areas.
Increase public awareness about MS, including its risk factors, early signs and symptoms, and treatment options.

Many rural residents impacted by complex, chronic health conditions like MS often do not get the help or social services needed. Rural residents are burdened because services and resources do not exist in the area or are inaccessible due to barriers like transportation, cost, awareness, technology, mistrust, etc. As a result, people living in rural areas can go undiagnosed longer, face misdiagnoses, experience more treatment disruptions, and receive less support to address social determinants of health.

Scope of work:

The IPHI team is focusing on identifying and improving access in rural communities. Through the grant, non-specialty health providers will receive education and training on MS risk factors, early signs and symptoms, treatments, and resources. Rural residents will be engaged through convenings, focus groups, interviews, and community events to increase awareness of MS and connect affected residents to resources. Other activities include collaborating with mobile health units and similar community-based services to reach people where they are.

In partnership with VirginiaNavigator, IPHI will create a network map of health and social support resources in the project’s target area. The team will also establish Navigation Centers where community leaders will be trained on how to use the network map and provide navigation assistance. All activities will be informed by people living with MS, care partners, and community professionals.

The project will focus on these rural communities (collaborations and resources may be state-wide):

Maryland
- Caroline County
- Garrett County
Virginia
- Brunswick County
- Buckingham County
- Charlotte County
- Cumberland County
- Danville
- Henry County
- Louisa County
- Lunenburg County
- Martinsville
- Nottoway County
- Orange County
- Patrick County
- Pittsylvania County
- Prince Edward County

North Carolina
- Caswell County
- Duplin County
- Greene County
- Jones County
- Lenoir County
- Montgomery County
- Surry County
- Wilkes County
West Virginia
- Fayette County
- Marion County
- McDowell County
- Mercer County
- Monroe County
- Preston County
- Raleigh County
- Summers County
- Wetzel County
- Wyoming County

Upcoming Training:

First (1st) Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. EST – Launching January 3, 2024

The West Virginia Clinical and Translational Science Institute (WVCTSI), Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO), and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neurodegenerative Diseases Program focus on diagnosing, managing, and treating MS and other neurological diseases in the primary care setting. This training is offered free of charge to all participants. For more information, visit: here.

Topics Covered

Early Symptoms & Diagnosing MS
Monitoring MS
MS Therapies
Patient-Centered Care
Neurological Diseases

Resources:

Provide input to design an Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) practice model, which aims to increase knowledge and confidence in treating patients with MS and neurodegenerative diseases.

Informing Educational Outreach/Curriculum with the ECHO Needs Assessment

Explore a prototype of the network map that identifies organizations located in or serving residents of Virginia living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, ALS, Huntington’s disease (HD), MS, and Parkinson’s disease.

Health and Social Support Resources for People Most Impacted by Neurodegenerative Disease in Virginia

Learn more about issues affecting rural areas and how to identify counties for intervention.

Identifying Critical Access Rural Counties in MD, NC, VA, and WV for Multiple Sclerosis Education and Care Interventions

Help recruit new collaborators by identifying key service providers and sharing these materials.

Understand the perspectives and priorities of people impacted by MS in rural areas by hearing key insights from a convening hosted in rural Virginia.

Convening Event Summary – Informing the Need

Acknowledgments:

Special thanks to our funders and partners:

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation
Can Do MS
MS Alliance
VirginiaNavigator
West Virginia Clinical & Translational Science Institute

To learn more about Rural MS Solutions Project, please contact Senior Program Manager Lauren Ruiz at [email protected] or 202.987.2540.

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Food Security Report

Title "Prince George's County Food Security Task Force Recommendations 2021" over a background image of crops growing from the ground.

Food Security Report

IPHI, Prince George’s County Food Security Task Force, and Prince George’s County Food Equity Council (FEC) completed a report to address the county’s food-security challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report recommends 11 solutions (four foundational and seven general strategies) for the Prince George’s County Council, Office of the County Executive, and County agencies to adopt.

To download the report, click: here.

To view the executive summary of the report and recommendations, click: here.

Foundational Recommendations

Create and fund a Prince George’s County Food Security Office.
Gather, analyze, and use data to inform and drive County agency food security decisions.
Increase resident participation in federal nutrition assistance programs.
Develop a master communication strategy for food security, resilience, and emergency preparedness.

Food Security Policies and Programs Recommendations

Plan for future food security disruptions by developing an emergency food security plan that integrates food system experts into existing emergency management operations.
Increase access to bulk food purchasing, infrastructure, and resources for food assistance providers.
Co-locate food security and social safety net services to create closed-loop referral systems.
Improve transportation options for residents to access healthy food retailers and providers.
Leverage state and regional partners for cross-jurisdictional food systems planning, coordinated communication, and infrastructure development.
Provide land access, infrastructure, and resources to help agriculture flourish.
Continue to provide and expand market incentives to support healthy food retailers of multiple sizes in target communities.

Cameron Foundation Community Health Needs Assessment

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Community Health Needs Assessment

The Cameron Foundation in Petersburg, VA, partnered with IPHI to update its community health needs assessment (CHNA). The most recent assessment was developed in spring 2023.

Cameron Foundation’s Community Health Needs Assessment – 2023

The assessment provides a comprehensive review of demographic, socioeconomic, physical environmental, and health indicators, and includes jurisdiction-level forces of change analyses and a summary of existing services and resources in the foundation’s service areas. IPHI led the collection, analysis, and reporting of health indicators, which include clinical and behavioral risk factors, County Health Rankings from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, health outcomes, and life expectancy maps.

IPHI worked with the foundation to frame the report using a health equity lens to link demographics, environmental and socioeconomic factors (e.g., social determinants of health-SDOH) to overall health outcomes and inequities between populations, neighborhoods, and jurisdictions. Among other data in the report, IPHI integrated the Vulnerable Populations Footprint from the Community Commons and census tract life expectancy maps to visually demonstrate the link between adverse SDOH and short life span at the neighborhood level. IPHI added evidence-based recommendations to guide communities in using the assessment.

To learn more about the Cameron Foundation’s community health needs assessment, please contact [email protected] or visit: www.camfound.org/.

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DC Healthy Housing Collaborative

DC HEALTHY HOUSING COLLABORATIVE

The District of Columbia Healthy Housing Collaborative (DCHHC) is a multi-sector coalition addressing substandard housing conditions that contribute to significant health issues affecting District of Columbia residents.

The DC Healthy Housing Collaborative (DCHHC) is a coalition of various organizations working together to improve the health of the District of Columbia (DC) residents by making sure their homes are safe and free of harmful exposures such as pests, mold, and lead.

Any home can have such problems, but houses in poor neighborhoods are far more likely to have chronic issues. In D.C., race, income, and neighborhood too often predict the potential for poor housing conditions that can lead to serious health problems. The DC Healthy Housing Collaborative (DCHHC) helps individuals and families take the steps needed to keep their homes safe.

IPHI serves as a backbone organization to help provide infrastructure and administrative support (including financial and grants management, human resources, communications, etc.), which allows the teams to concentrate on specific missions as service providers or mining resources for their audience.

To stay updated with the DCHHC’s monthly meetings, updates, and newsletters, click: here.

To learn more about the DC Healthy Housing Collaborative, please contact Program Director Abby Charles at [email protected] or visit: www.dchealthyhousingcollaborative.org.

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ImmunizeVA

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IMMUNIZEVA

Immunize Virginia is a statewide coalition of immunization stakeholders representing medical, public health, nonprofit professionals, parents, and community leaders in Virginia.

Our diverse membership is united in its commitment to the coalition’s vision of a future where the quality and length of life of Virginians are not impacted by a disease that could have been prevented by immunizations.

Together, members work to improve immunization coverage across the Commonwealth in four key areas:

Advocacy
Education
Professional Education
Quality Management

Since it was established in 2020, the coalition has supported the implementation of vaccine clinics in historically under-vaccinated communities, launched social media campaigns to spread awareness about pressing vaccine issues, supported education initiatives surrounding immunization legislation, facilitated numerous presentations for medical and public health professionals on immunizations, and collected timely data on pressing vaccine issues. IPHI serves as the backbone support for ImmunizeVA.

To learn more about ImmunizeVA, please contact [email protected] or visit: immunizevirginia.org.

ImmunizeVA Newsletter

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Prince George’s County Food Equity Council

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY FOOD EQUITY COUNCIL

The Prince George’s County (PGC) Food Equity Council (FEC) is a local food policy council in Maryland that cultivates justice and economic opportunity from farm to fork to help residents grow, sell, and choose healthy food. The FEC is incubated and fiscally sponsored by the IPHI.

Prince George's County Food Equity Council logo The FEC is a group of hometown leaders and changemakers committed to bringing better food to every fork. Since 2013, the FEC has been a voice for county residents at the policymaking table. FEC members work with county leaders to find permanent solutions to improve the food system. The FEC focuses on systematic and sustainable changes to Prince George’s public health challenges (i.e. hunger, obesity, and areas of the county that lack healthy food options) by advocating for policies that create a more equitable local food system.

Mission

The FEC mission is to significantly improve the public health and community well-being of all who live, work, study, worship, and play in the county. We develop and support policies, approaches, procedures, practices, and initiatives that create systemic change in the local food system. Our efforts include promoting health, economic opportunity, food security, and well-being within communities that the current food has negatively impacted.

Vision

Our vision is that every resident in Prince George’s County, regardless of race, class, or zip code, can easily access healthy, affordable, culturally-appropriate, and locally produced foods. All food workers, whether they work on farms, in restaurants, or in stores, can expect safe working conditions and living wages. Finally, growers that supply residents with locally grown food will stay on their land and access profitable markets of multiple scales.

To learn more about the Prince George’s Food Equity Council, please contact [email protected] or visit: www.pgcfec.org.

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