Co-design values: public health perspectives

TL;DR

This paper presents a co-design model aimed at improving health equity through community collaboration in public health.

Contribution

The Co-design Values Model introduces a framework for equitable collaboration in public health through lived experience, power navigation, and community collaboration.

Findings

The co-design process enhanced learning and capacity among public health professionals.

The model emphasizes valuing lived experiences, navigating power dynamics, and fostering collaboration.

It provides a framework for building trust and addressing health inequities through authentic engagement.

Abstract

The report describes the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) Co-design Values Model from the perspective of public health professionals. The goal of the model is to improve health equity through community collaboration. The study utilized multiple data sources over 26 months (May 2023–July 2025), including progress reports, meeting notes, and data summaries from 36 community-based organizations, to analyze qualitative and quantitative insights from the Regional Learning and Action Network Co-Design Team (RCT). The co-design process revealed an effective approach toward increased learning and capacity among public health professionals. The Co-design Values Model highlights the importance of valuing lived experiences (individual level), navigating power dynamics (organizational level), and fostering collaboration (community level). The model offers a valuable framework for public health professionals to engage in authentic and equitable co-design approaches, building capacity, trust, and accountability to address health inequities.

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