Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Department of Health Services (DHS) is announcing this “Qualitative Data for Capacity Building and Alignment” grant opportunity (herein referred to as “QualData Grant”) to Local and Tribal Health Departments (LTHDs) to build qualitative data capacity across the public health system and better understand the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on health inequities, to develop plans that will address inequities. This opportunity aims to engage LTHD’s in an authentic way with community members or organizations representing underserved communities in collective search of ideas and strategies to address barriers to health improvement. In addition, this opportunity is intended to help strengthen LTHD and the Wisconsin public health system capacity by offering and providing technical assistance, resources and techniques for qualitative data collection and analysis.; The overall goal of this opportunity is to build qualitative data and community input seeking capacity and sustainability across the Wisconsin Public Health system. Moreover, this opportunity looks to align decision making processes that will support and improve health outcomes for communities experiencing the disproportionate impact of health inequities. What that means is each level is working towards goals to advance the mission and vision of improving health. When information and efforts are shared between the state, local public health and community-based organizations, process can be adapted and aligned with others more efficiently and effectively to improve and unify decision making at all levels. As a result, support and resources can be better utilized and distributed, which will aid in reducing barriers, increasing resources and improve health outcome for marginalized communities.; Participating LTHDs will be encouraged (not required) to share their collected data with the DHS. By sharing the data, DHS will have the opportunity to increase the understanding of issues and needs across the state and therefore, be better position to provide the appropriate support and resources to recipients of the grant. In addition, aid in aligning state and local initiatives for cohesive planning and action.; Advance partnerships and healing with community organizations with the purpose of elevating marginalized community voices in decision making processes and public health planning. ; Increase LTHD capacity on qualitative data collection and outreach locally and across the Public Health system, to engage with community members and partners and to collect and use qualitative data in decision making. ; Develop technical skills in qualitative data collection and analysis. ; Partner with community organizations to support activities aimed at removing barriers and increasing health equity. ; Learn from Wisconsin marginalized communities on what are or were the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure planning objectives, program improvement and priority setting aimed at equitable outcomes.; Better understand the root barriers that public health should work toward addressing and generate ideas that would help communities heal. ; Understand how communities’ priorities and needs may have shifted and what caused the shift.
