Our Approach

 
 
 

We partner with changemakers to help identify community health drivers; design people-centered health solutions; measure change through participatory research and evaluation; and educate and inspire through health communication. We place a unique, dual emphasis on social and behavioral theory and democratic processes. This ensures solutions are based in evidence and powered by local knowledge and leadership. Our approach is rooted in the disciplines of social epidemiology and Deep Democracy.

 
 
 

SERVICES WE OFFER

 
 

Community Needs Assessment

 

  • Community needs assessments 

  • Landscape and policy analysis 

We help organizations better understand their service areas and the factors driving choices and behaviors in their communities. We specialize in facilitating federally-compliant needs assessments for hospitals and certified community behavioral health clinics. We have also led health landscape and policy analyses for state and local governments. Example deliverables include interviews, focus groups, survey design, health indicators, data analysis, and reports. We are particularly interested in projects that involve measuring collaborative impact.

 
 

Human-Centered Program Design

 

  • Program planning

  • Curriculum development

  • Community engagement

We use human-centered design approaches to program planning and curriculum development — creating sustainable solutions by exploring the authentic needs of communities and building client capacity to serve them. Example deliverables include health programs and curricula, learning communities, and group dialogue. Our training in mental health and compassionate facilitation gives us a deep understanding of tools for supporting grounded dialogue. We have participated in the National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation for 20+ years.

 
 

Participatory Research and Evaluation

 

  • Participatory research

  • Health care and policy research

  • Program evaluation

We specialize in participatory approaches to research and evaluation that foster trust and generate authentic insight into people’s lived experiences. We support the full cycle of research from concept to implementation to dissemination. We also support clients as they pilot new programs, integrating research and planning to provide real-time feedback. Example deliverables include reports, case studies, journal articles, and group process facilitation. We develop interview and focus group protocols that help participants feel safe and supported.

Health EDUCATION AND Communication

 

  • Data visualization and storytelling

  • Public health education and promotion

We draw on training in science journalism and health behavior change to create compelling communications. Through our partnerships with data designers, we prioritize visual storytelling tools that enable clients to speak to diverse audiences. Example deliverables include content writing, infographics, data visualizations, digital cartography, and dashboards designed to educate, persuade, and inspire action. These can add value to projects such as annual reports, grant proposals, evaluations, marketing, strategic plans, and presentations.