DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH – NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Community Engagement and Outreach Unit
Credible Public Health Messenger
Date of Issue | June 30, 2026 |
Informational Webinar | July 10, 2026 |
Submit Questions by | July 17, 2026 |
Answers Posted on or About | July 24, 2026 |
Applications Due | July 31, 2026 |
To read the full deliverable based mini bi, please see here -
Overview:
Health Research, Inc. (HRI), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Office of Public Health (OPH), Division of Public Health Infrastructure (DPHI) and Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) announce the availability of funds to support up to forty (40) community-based organizations and/or individuals to serve as Credible Public Health Messengers.
Across New York State, trusted community leaders are shaping how residents understand and respond to health information. The Credible Public Health Messengers initiative invests in those voices by strengthening their ability to deliver accurate, culturally responsive, and community-informed public health communications that reflect the realities of the communities they serve.
Selected awardees will participate in structured training, collaborative planning, and coordinated campaign implementation aligned with the 2025–2030 New York State Prevention Agenda. Through this initiative, awardees will strengthen their capacity to translate public health information into clear, accessible messaging that builds trust and promotes action.
Awardees will build practical skills in health literacy, plain-language communication, culturally responsive messaging, and partnership development. Each awardee will develop a Community Communications Plan (CCP) that identifies a locally relevant health priority, establishes measurable goals and target audiences, and outlines strategies for sustained and meaningful message dissemination.
To ensure high-quality execution, awardees will collaborate with a NYSDOH-supported marketing partner providing professional design, production, and technical assistance. This partnership model ensures that community expertise and lived experience remain at the center of message development, while professional marketing support enhances clarity, visual impact, consistency, and reach.
By pairing trusted community leadership with structured support and technical resources, this initiative strengthens public health communication infrastructure, promotes accurate and culturally grounded health information, and deepens connections between residents and public health programs across New York State.
Awards will be paid in the amount of $15,390 per awardee for a six-month deliverable-based contract.
Background:
Effective public health communication is foundational to advancing health access for all, strengthening trust, responding to public health emergencies, and connecting people to resources and services. When information is clear, culturally responsive, and delivered by trusted voices, it can empower communities to make informed decisions and improve overall well-being. Yet many communities continue to face barriers to understanding public health guidance, navigating complex health systems, and accessing programs designed to support their health. These barriers can contribute to misinformation, limited engagement with public health initiatives, and persistent disparities in health outcomes.
Trusted community-based organizations and community leaders play a critical role in bridging these gaps. Their established relationships, cultural competence, and lived experience position them as credible sources of information and trusted connectors between public health systems and community members. However, lack of access to formal training, technical assistance, and other communication resources are needed to translate public health priorities into structured, strategic, and sustainable communication efforts.
The Credible Public Health Messengers initiative addresses this gap by investing directly in community capacity. Through targeted training, guided planning, and collaboration with a NYSDOH-supported marketing partner, awardees will design and implement Community Communications Plans aligned with at least one domain of the 2025–2030 New York State Prevention Agenda. These plans will increase awareness of public health programs, support emergency response communication, improve understanding of prevention strategies, and strengthen linkages between communities and local health systems.
By fostering collaboration among community leaders, local health departments, and NYSDOH, this initiative advances a more coordinated, responsive, and trusted public health communication infrastructure statewide.
This funding opportunity is intended to prioritize small, community-based organizations and grassroots community leaders that may have limited access to larger public health funding opportunities.
Available Funding:
Up to forty (40) Credible Community Public Health Messengers will be paid up to $15,390 for a six-month deliverable-based contract.
This is a one-time funding opportunity. Contracts will be from September 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
Payment compensation may be considered taxable. Awardees will need to complete a W-9 form for HRI. The W-9 form is a commonly used form from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that provides HRI with information needed to pay consultants, such as their name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN)/Employer Identification Number. Information from the form is used to determine IRS eligibility for 1099 reporting.
This initiative is funded by a CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems. The goal is to strengthen public health workforce capacity, infrastructure, and systems to improve health outcomes and preparedness
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be individuals or organizations who are based in Rest of State (all counties outside of New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens and Richmond) and or the Nations and serve other organizations who work in Rest of State and/or the Nations.
Applicants may apply either as:
- An individual contractor – An individual who will enter into the contract and receive payment using their Social Security Number (SSN).
- An organization – A business, non-profit, or other legal entity that has or will obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
If you are a sole proprietor or contractor, select the option that reflects how you will receive payment and execute the contract.
Applicants must meet the following Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- At least three years of demonstrated experience:
- Community engagement or outreach, including but not limited to experience working directly with community members
- Experience sharing information or resources with community members in a trusted capacity (e.g., education, advocacy, organizing, communications, or service delivery)
- Demonstrated community reach and engagement located in and serving New York State and/or the Tribal Nation (excluding New York City). Community reach and engagement is the act of sharing information and services with the public, while engagement is an ongoing, two-way dialogue that gives the community in a voice in decision-making.
- Non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, community-based organization AND/OR individual community leaders. For the purposes of this opportunity, an individual community leader is defined as a person who uses their influence, lived experience, relationships, and credibility within a specific community to mobilize people, advocate for shared interests, and drive positive change, regardless of whether they hold a formal title.
- If applying as an individual, must have valid Social Security Number prior to contract execution.
- Eligible organizations must employ fewer than thirty (30) employees, including both full-time and part-time staff.
Selected applicants must contract directly with HRI and may not use a fiscal sponsor, umbrella organization, or fiscal agent.
Scope of Work:
Deliverable 1 | Orientation and eCornell Community Public Health Leader Training |
Activity 1 | Attend one (1) virtual NYSDOH orientation session to review program expectations, deliverables, and timelines |
Activity 2 | Complete the virtual eCornell Community Public Health Leader Training Program and review training materials, document key takeaways, and identify opportunities to apply learning within work |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of attendance for the NYSDOH orientation session in Apply 2. Upload eCornell training completion certificate in Apply |
To Be Completed By | September 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 2 | Public Health Communications and Effective Public Health Messaging Training |
Activity 1 | Complete three (3) virtual Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) training sessions focused on effective public health messaging |
Activity 2 | Attend one (1) virtual NYSDOH Community of Practice session and review training materials and identify strategies to current outreach efforts |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of attendance to the training in Apply 2. Upload documentation of attendance to the Community of Practice session in Apply |
To Be Completed By | September 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 3 | Community Communications Plan Development |
Activity 1 | Attend one (1) virtual workshop co-facilitated by NYSDOH on developing a Community Communications Plan (CCP) |
Activity 2 | Develop and submit a draft Community Communications Plan to NYSDOH for review and feedback and gather organizational information, identify community priorities, and coordinate internal review of draft plan |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in the CCP development workshop in Apply. 2. Upload draft Community Communications Plan in Apply. |
To Be Completed By | October 31, 2026 |
Deliverable 4 | Finalize Community Communications Plan (CCP) |
Activity 1 | In collaboration with NYSDOH, develop and finalize a CCP that:
|
Activity 2 | Submit final CCP for NYSDOH review and approval |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload finalized CCP approved by NYSDOH in Apply 2. Upload supporting documentation in Apply including but not limited to:
|
To Be Completed By | November 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 5 | Campaign Collaboration and Implementation |
Activity 1 | Participate in at least one (1) joint planning meeting with the NYSDOH-supported marketing partner and NYSDOH:
|
Activity 2 | Deliver and implement the approved communications campaign, including community-based outreach and dissemination activities as outline in the CCP
|
Activity 3 | Prepare and submit a brief campaign reflection report summarizing:
|
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in planning meeting with marketing awardee and NYSDOH staff in Apply 2. Upload campaign reflection report in Apply |
To Be Completed By | February 28, 2027 |
Deliverable 6 | Monitoring, Technical Assistance, and Evaluation |
Activity 1 | Participate in required technical assistance meeting with NYSDOH totaling up to seven (7) over the course of the contract period |
Activity 2 | Complete and submit final evaluation report assessing:
|
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in technical assistance meetings in Apply 2. Upload final evaluation report in Apply |
To Be Completed By | March 31, 2027 |
Credible Public Health Messenger
DIVISION OF PUBLIC HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE
OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH – NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
Community Engagement and Outreach Unit
Credible Public Health Messenger
Date of Issue | June 30, 2026 |
Informational Webinar | July 10, 2026 |
Submit Questions by | July 17, 2026 |
Answers Posted on or About | July 24, 2026 |
Applications Due | July 31, 2026 |
To read the full deliverable based mini bi, please see here -
Overview:
Health Research, Inc. (HRI), the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Office of Public Health (OPH), Division of Public Health Infrastructure (DPHI) and Community Engagement and Outreach (CEO) announce the availability of funds to support up to forty (40) community-based organizations and/or individuals to serve as Credible Public Health Messengers.
Across New York State, trusted community leaders are shaping how residents understand and respond to health information. The Credible Public Health Messengers initiative invests in those voices by strengthening their ability to deliver accurate, culturally responsive, and community-informed public health communications that reflect the realities of the communities they serve.
Selected awardees will participate in structured training, collaborative planning, and coordinated campaign implementation aligned with the 2025–2030 New York State Prevention Agenda. Through this initiative, awardees will strengthen their capacity to translate public health information into clear, accessible messaging that builds trust and promotes action.
Awardees will build practical skills in health literacy, plain-language communication, culturally responsive messaging, and partnership development. Each awardee will develop a Community Communications Plan (CCP) that identifies a locally relevant health priority, establishes measurable goals and target audiences, and outlines strategies for sustained and meaningful message dissemination.
To ensure high-quality execution, awardees will collaborate with a NYSDOH-supported marketing partner providing professional design, production, and technical assistance. This partnership model ensures that community expertise and lived experience remain at the center of message development, while professional marketing support enhances clarity, visual impact, consistency, and reach.
By pairing trusted community leadership with structured support and technical resources, this initiative strengthens public health communication infrastructure, promotes accurate and culturally grounded health information, and deepens connections between residents and public health programs across New York State.
Awards will be paid in the amount of $15,390 per awardee for a six-month deliverable-based contract.
Background:
Effective public health communication is foundational to advancing health access for all, strengthening trust, responding to public health emergencies, and connecting people to resources and services. When information is clear, culturally responsive, and delivered by trusted voices, it can empower communities to make informed decisions and improve overall well-being. Yet many communities continue to face barriers to understanding public health guidance, navigating complex health systems, and accessing programs designed to support their health. These barriers can contribute to misinformation, limited engagement with public health initiatives, and persistent disparities in health outcomes.
Trusted community-based organizations and community leaders play a critical role in bridging these gaps. Their established relationships, cultural competence, and lived experience position them as credible sources of information and trusted connectors between public health systems and community members. However, lack of access to formal training, technical assistance, and other communication resources are needed to translate public health priorities into structured, strategic, and sustainable communication efforts.
The Credible Public Health Messengers initiative addresses this gap by investing directly in community capacity. Through targeted training, guided planning, and collaboration with a NYSDOH-supported marketing partner, awardees will design and implement Community Communications Plans aligned with at least one domain of the 2025–2030 New York State Prevention Agenda. These plans will increase awareness of public health programs, support emergency response communication, improve understanding of prevention strategies, and strengthen linkages between communities and local health systems.
By fostering collaboration among community leaders, local health departments, and NYSDOH, this initiative advances a more coordinated, responsive, and trusted public health communication infrastructure statewide.
This funding opportunity is intended to prioritize small, community-based organizations and grassroots community leaders that may have limited access to larger public health funding opportunities.
Available Funding:
Up to forty (40) Credible Community Public Health Messengers will be paid up to $15,390 for a six-month deliverable-based contract.
This is a one-time funding opportunity. Contracts will be from September 1, 2026 – March 31, 2027.
Payment compensation may be considered taxable. Awardees will need to complete a W-9 form for HRI. The W-9 form is a commonly used form from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that provides HRI with information needed to pay consultants, such as their name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN)/Employer Identification Number. Information from the form is used to determine IRS eligibility for 1099 reporting.
This initiative is funded by a CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) OE22-2203: Strengthening U.S. Public Health Infrastructure, Workforce, and Data Systems. The goal is to strengthen public health workforce capacity, infrastructure, and systems to improve health outcomes and preparedness
Minimum Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be individuals or organizations who are based in Rest of State (all counties outside of New York, Bronx, Kings, Queens and Richmond) and or the Nations and serve other organizations who work in Rest of State and/or the Nations.
Applicants may apply either as:
- An individual contractor – An individual who will enter into the contract and receive payment using their Social Security Number (SSN).
- An organization – A business, non-profit, or other legal entity that has or will obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
If you are a sole proprietor or contractor, select the option that reflects how you will receive payment and execute the contract.
Applicants must meet the following Minimum Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for this opportunity, applicants must demonstrate the following:
- At least three years of demonstrated experience:
- Community engagement or outreach, including but not limited to experience working directly with community members
- Experience sharing information or resources with community members in a trusted capacity (e.g., education, advocacy, organizing, communications, or service delivery)
- Demonstrated community reach and engagement located in and serving New York State and/or the Tribal Nation (excluding New York City). Community reach and engagement is the act of sharing information and services with the public, while engagement is an ongoing, two-way dialogue that gives the community in a voice in decision-making.
- Non-profit organizations, for-profit businesses, community-based organization AND/OR individual community leaders. For the purposes of this opportunity, an individual community leader is defined as a person who uses their influence, lived experience, relationships, and credibility within a specific community to mobilize people, advocate for shared interests, and drive positive change, regardless of whether they hold a formal title.
- If applying as an individual, must have valid Social Security Number prior to contract execution.
- Eligible organizations must employ fewer than thirty (30) employees, including both full-time and part-time staff.
Selected applicants must contract directly with HRI and may not use a fiscal sponsor, umbrella organization, or fiscal agent.
Scope of Work:
Deliverable 1 | Orientation and eCornell Community Public Health Leader Training |
Activity 1 | Attend one (1) virtual NYSDOH orientation session to review program expectations, deliverables, and timelines |
Activity 2 | Complete the virtual eCornell Community Public Health Leader Training Program and review training materials, document key takeaways, and identify opportunities to apply learning within work |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of attendance for the NYSDOH orientation session in Apply 2. Upload eCornell training completion certificate in Apply |
To Be Completed By | September 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 2 | Public Health Communications and Effective Public Health Messaging Training |
Activity 1 | Complete three (3) virtual Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) training sessions focused on effective public health messaging |
Activity 2 | Attend one (1) virtual NYSDOH Community of Practice session and review training materials and identify strategies to current outreach efforts |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of attendance to the training in Apply 2. Upload documentation of attendance to the Community of Practice session in Apply |
To Be Completed By | September 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 3 | Community Communications Plan Development |
Activity 1 | Attend one (1) virtual workshop co-facilitated by NYSDOH on developing a Community Communications Plan (CCP) |
Activity 2 | Develop and submit a draft Community Communications Plan to NYSDOH for review and feedback and gather organizational information, identify community priorities, and coordinate internal review of draft plan |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in the CCP development workshop in Apply. 2. Upload draft Community Communications Plan in Apply. |
To Be Completed By | October 31, 2026 |
Deliverable 4 | Finalize Community Communications Plan (CCP) |
Activity 1 | In collaboration with NYSDOH, develop and finalize a CCP that:
|
Activity 2 | Submit final CCP for NYSDOH review and approval |
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload finalized CCP approved by NYSDOH in Apply 2. Upload supporting documentation in Apply including but not limited to:
|
To Be Completed By | November 30, 2026 |
Deliverable 5 | Campaign Collaboration and Implementation |
Activity 1 | Participate in at least one (1) joint planning meeting with the NYSDOH-supported marketing partner and NYSDOH:
|
Activity 2 | Deliver and implement the approved communications campaign, including community-based outreach and dissemination activities as outline in the CCP
|
Activity 3 | Prepare and submit a brief campaign reflection report summarizing:
|
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in planning meeting with marketing awardee and NYSDOH staff in Apply 2. Upload campaign reflection report in Apply |
To Be Completed By | February 28, 2027 |
Deliverable 6 | Monitoring, Technical Assistance, and Evaluation |
Activity 1 | Participate in required technical assistance meeting with NYSDOH totaling up to seven (7) over the course of the contract period |
Activity 2 | Complete and submit final evaluation report assessing:
|
Element of Completion | Upon completion of all activities: 1: Upload documentation of participation in technical assistance meetings in Apply 2. Upload final evaluation report in Apply |
To Be Completed By | March 31, 2027 |