Hawai‘i Public Health Institute is home to many public health programs, projects, and initiatives. We organize our work into four portfolios, each aimed at advancing the health and wellness of the people and islands of Hawai‘i.
Our Workforce Development portfolio aims to improve public health outcomes by preparing a capable, adaptable workforce ready to address a wide range of health challenges. This includes initiatives aimed at recruiting, training, retaining, and supporting professionals to ensure workforce sustainability. We work to equip public health professionals with essential skills through training, education, and hands-on learning experiences. Our initiatives are designed to help provide resources and trainings, and to connect students, recent graduates, professionals, and retirees to the public health field.



Hawai‘i Community Health Worker Initiatives
Community health workers are frontline, trained and trusted individuals of the community who have deep connections and understandings of the community being served. Since 2017, through funding from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health, HIPHI has supported CHWs to secure and provide training and resources, and assisted CHWs in building a grassroots association.

Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG)
A multi-billion-dollar investment from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PHIG funds health departments across the United States to strengthen their workforce and infrastructure. In partnership with the Center for Health Leadership and Impact at the Public Health Institute in California, HIPHI is providing technical assistance to the Hawai‘i State Department of Health and local health departments in the Atlantic and Pacific territories and freely associated states. Funding from this grant will help to ensure that communities in Hawai‘i as well as the Atlantic and the Pacific jurisdictions have the right people, services, and systems to promote and protect health.
Three national partners were funded to lead and coordinate technical assistance efforts across the nation.
- Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) supports state and territorial health agencies to advance health equity and optimal health for all.
- National Network of Public Health Institute (NNPHI) is the central hub for public health institutes working to improve public health in the U.S.
- Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB) accredits public health departments across the nation to deliver a high performing public health system.
Learn more at phinfrastructure.org