Mission

We develop multi-sector partnerships and innovative solutions to improve the public’s health and well-being across the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Our work strengthens health systems and policy, enhances conditions that promote health, and builds community capacity to ensure equitable health opportunities for all.

Many sectors have roles to play in optimizing community health. Ensuring healthy communities is not just the work of public health departments, but also public and private organizations involved in medical care, housing, transportation, parks and recreation, land use planning, public safety, education, and many other areas. Our purpose is to work in collaboration across sectors in pursuit of innovative, prevention-oriented approaches to improving the public’s health and ensuring that all people and communities have equal opportunities to thrive and be healthy.

Values

We are a values-driven public/private enterprise. These four core values, practiced collectively, support our mission and guide our work:

Collaboration
Health is complex and multi-dimensional. Rarely can one organization be successful in improving public health when acting independently. We are committed to working with a broad range of partners to share knowledge, maximize resources, and enhance effectiveness.

Equity and Social Justice
We are committed to fairness and the belief that everyone has the right and ability to achieve and maintain good health. We share responsibility for contributing to environments and conditions in which all people have equal opportunities for health.

Innovation
We think “outside the box” and strive to be creative, resourceful and imaginative. We aim to inspire new solutions while also promoting existing strategies that are known to be effective.

Integrity
Our commitment to honesty, respect, and reliability in our work and relationships is uncompromising. We are dedicated to high quality work that honors our mission and those we partner with and serve.

Culture

Our culture is rooted in collaboration, innovation, equity, and service. We believe meaningful public health solutions are created by bringing together diverse perspectives, listening to communities, and working across sectors to drive lasting change.

We foster an environment where curiosity is encouraged, new ideas are welcomed, and every team member is empowered to contribute their expertise. We value integrity, accountability, continuous learning, and respect, creating a workplace where people feel supported to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact.

We are committed to practicing anti-racism. We define anti-racism as the active process of identifying, challenging, and changing the policies, practices, and beliefs that uphold these racial inequities. For more information about our anti-racism and equity, visit our Anti-Racism and Equity Vision statement.

Our commitment to health equity extends beyond our programs. It shapes how we work with one another, engage our partners, and serve communities. We celebrate diversity, seek inclusive solutions, and recognize that the strongest outcomes come from authentic partnership and shared leadership.

Together, we are building healthier, more resilient communities by leading with purpose, embracing innovation, and putting people at the center of everything we do.