Key Initiatives

Health Instead of Punishment Program

We use public health frameworks to re-envision how we create safety, achieve justice, and foster health alongside the leadership of those who have been directly impacted by our nation’s criminal legal and immigration systems. Through our Health Instead of Punishment Program, we combine advocacy, research, narrative change, and people power to build toward our collective liberation.

Health Equity Awakened: A Leadership Institute

This national leadership development initiative cultivates emerging leaders within governmental public health — who are committed to advancing health and racial equity — by building their capacity at the person, role, and systems level. This intentional learning community aims to deepen the leadership of participants to more radically transform their organizations.

Bridging Strategies and Partnerships Program

Core to HIP’s work is a commitment to support building community power to transform our institutions and foster equity through democratic participation and community driven decision-making. HIP nurtures Power-building Partnerships for Health between health departments and community organizers, increases skills to analyze and address power imbalances, and supports institutions to champion power building and power sharing to bridge the divide between community and governance.

Public Health Awakened

A group of 2,000+ public health professionals organizing for health, equity, and justice — originally formed in response to the current federal policy agenda. We mobilize members to work with social justice movements on strategic and collective action to resist the threats faced by communities of color and low-income communities, and to advocate for a world in which everyone can thrive.

Housing Justice Program

A stable, affordable, quality home is necessary for our wellbeing and dignity. We leverage public health knowledge, data, and resources to build power with grassroots housing justice movements, and advance housing and health for all.