How Public Health Institutes play a critical role in successful health policy development: A review of relevant literature and case studies

While there are a variety of stakeholders involved in successful health policy development, many of these organizations face capacity and capability limitations. Having an entity that could overcome current barriers in policy development – such as the ability to remain neutral, leverage resources, and unite stakeholders - could change the policy landscape. Public Health Institutes (PHIs) have the ability to be that entity. There are existing PHIs that are already engaged in meaningful policy work. However, the potential is enormous for current, emerging, and new PHIs to have an impact on policy development. This poster explores how PHIs play a critical role in the health policy field to serve as innovative, neutral conveners that build partnerships across sectors. After discussing the general potential for PHIs, this poster explores two case studies. First, the poster illustrates how an existing PHI, the Texas Health Institute, has made impactful health policy change in their region, largely through the use of coalition building. Second, this poster proposes that an emerging institute, the Delaware Public Health Institute, could play an important role in health policy initiatives in Delaware, particularly through conducting a community health assessment. This poster demonstrates that existing and emerging PHIs must be meaningfully involved in health policy development. Further, it supports the growth of PHIs in order to conduct this work. The unique abilities of PHIs allow them to undertake the critical role of shaping policy to improve the public’s health.