The Michigan Public Health Institute (MPHI), in partnership with the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI), is hosting a six-part virtual ECHO series focused on the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) key strategies of Workforce, Foundational Capabilities, and Data Modernization. This offering is designed to help health departments deepen, operationalize, and fully embed the initiatives they have already begun. The series will emphasize practical, actionable strategies that move agencies beyond simply meeting standards toward achieving meaningful transformation.

By leveraging current strengths and knowledge, participants will move beyond meeting standards, fostering genuine transformation and enhancing readiness for meaningful change, implementation, and sustainability. The aim is to bridge the gap between awareness and the ability to fully integrate capabilities, policies, processes, and technologies into daily operations and organizational culture. By providing participants with practical strategies, the series seeks to help them embed the infrastructure work they have already outlined, initiated, and implemented into lasting transformation and sustainability. Furthermore, the initiative will leverage the strong network and positive relationships developed during the previous ECHO series, with the intention to expand and sustain collaborative efforts across the country.

Session Dates:

This series will consist of six, hour-long sessions (3:00-4:00pm ET), once a month from June-November 2026.

• Session 1: June 17, 2026
• Session 2: July 22, 2026
• Session 3: August 19, 2026
• Session 4: September 23, 2026
• Session 5: October 21, 2026
• Session 6: November 18, 2026

Series objectives include:

Workforce Development

• Analyze current workforce strengths, gaps, and organizational needs to determine priority areas for development and long‑term resilience.
• Design sustainable, equity‑centered strategies for recruiting, training, and retaining a skilled public health workforce aligned with PHIG goals.

Foundational Capabilities

• Evaluate the degree to which foundational capabilities (assessment, communication, partnerships, preparedness, and governance) are embedded in daily operations.
• Implement evidence‑based policies, processes, and organizational practices that strengthen and sustain core public health capabilities.

Data Modernization 

• Apply modern data tools, technologies, and workflows to improve data quality, sharing, and use for equitable, evidence‑driven action.
• Analyze the basic requirements for improving data systems, including how data should be collected, shared, and protected to support timely public health action.