Category B: Workforce Segments in Governmental Public Health Departments: Evaluators in state, tribal, local, and territorial health departments - Approach. NORC is uniquely positioned to address the capacity-building assistance (CBA) needs of an over-burdened public health workforce. NORC will develop training modules and collaborative learning opportunities to enhance the evaluation and health communication skills of public health professionals in state, tribal, local, and territorial (STLT) health departments. NORC has developed a systematic CBA program model adapted from evidence-based instructional design frameworks with a focus on diversity, racial equity, and inclusion (DREI). NORC will use this model to guide the implementation of seven tasks in Year 1, which will be repeated in Years 2 – 5: Task 1. Conduct a needs assessment to identify CBA topics (e.g., Evaluation 101). Task 2. Identify 6-10 recipients to receive training and work with them to develop a collaborative work plan for CBA in Task 4 (e.g., developing an evaluation plan). Task 3. Develop and deliver CBA modules. Task 4. Work with recipients to implement collaborative work plans (e.g., via 1:1 meeting, webinars). Task 5. Evaluation of CBA activities (e.g., collect data on recipient knowledge gains) and dissemination. Task 6: Identify CBA topic areas and activities for subsequent years. Task 7. Provide ongoing project management across the life of the project. Evaluation and Performance Measurement. To evaluate CBA efforts, NORC will track engagement in CBA activities, field a pre-/post-test survey, and conduct interviews with recipients. Evaluations will assess performance measures (PMs) such as increased knowledge after training. NORC will solicit input from CDC and intended evaluation users to ensure PMs are appropriate. NORC will develop and implement a Data Management Plan for this evaluation, if needed. Organizational Capacity to Implement the Approach. NORC is an industry leader in public health CBA programs with a national reach. For example, NORC worked with the Office of Minority Health (OMH) from 2008-2023 to develop and administer a tool for evaluating OMH-funded interventions. NORC developed an eight-module training program to increase understanding of evaluation areas among OMH recipients and improve evaluation efforts. NORC has the infrastructure, equipment, and information technology (IT) systems to address CBA needs, such as virtual platforms, media support, advanced systems for project monitoring and reporting, cultural and linguistic translation and graphics and writing services. NORC is a trusted, nationally recognized, and reputable CBA partner to the federal government, with long-standing STLT health agency relationships. Based on NORC’s experience with current and recent programs, we understand the different CBA services needed among STLT agencies. STLT health agencies and individuals see value in and will readily engage with NORC for CBA, as evidenced by the Letters of Support. NORC offers an unparalleled leadership team with a record of conducting CBA projects of similar size and scope. NORC’s leadership team has the methodological and topic area expertise needed to deliver high-quality CBA. In addition, each CBA Task Lead brings specific content and CBA expertise that allows them to effectively produce and deliver high-quality products. There is a pressing need to articulate the value proposition of public health through robust evaluation frameworks and strategic communication tools. Data gathered during evaluation enable public health practitioners to design the best possible programs, make changes as necessary, monitor progress toward program goals, and measure the success of their programs. Likewise, public health experts recognize communication as vital to public health programs that address disease prevention, health promotion, and quality of life. Through this work, NORC can play a pivotal role in building a skilled and empowered public health workforce capable of driving impactful evaluation and health communication initiatives.
