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About IDPH

Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG)

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) works to protect the health of everyone in the state. Public health is the system that works to keep entire communities healthy. It includes things like providing vaccines, making sure food and water are safe, stopping the spread of diseases, and helping people learn how to take care of their health.

The Public Health Infrastructure Grant, also known as PHIG, is a CDC funded multi-year investment supporting foundational public health infrastructure for public health in Illinois and across the country. At IDPH, we are leveraging the funding to support and train our public health workforce, strengthen our ability to monitor and respond to public health threats, and modernize technology to enhancing the integration and exchange of public health data to inform decision-making and public health action. IDPH PHIG funds also support local health departments to build a public health system that is strong, fair, and ready for the future. By building a stronger foundation for public health, PHIG is helping to create a healthier future for the people who matter most – you and your community.

What is PHIG?

Learn more about the work of the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) team at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which is leading a statewide effort to strengthen public health through workforce development, foundational capability improvements, and data modernization. With strategic leadership, coordination, and evaluation, the team ensures effective implementation, financial accountability, and alignment with IDPH’s broader goals.
Training Opportunities for Local Health Department and IDPH Employees

IDPH offers a range of professional development opportunities designed to support public health professionals at different stages of their careers—from new employees to experienced leaders. These programs aim to build essential skills, promote leadership, and strengthen the public health workforce across Illinois. The following section outlines a variety of learning and career advancement opportunities available to IDPH and local health department professionals.
Program Updates and Significant Events

Stay up to date on PHIG through timely updates on projects, initiatives, and key announcements. Illinois’ work has been featured by ASTHO and the PHIG Partners network, highlighting efforts like the Public Health Workforce Transformation Initiative and the state’s leadership in data modernization. Article summaries are included to keep partners informed and engaged.

Partnerships

Partnerships are essential to building a resilient public health system in Illinois. Through the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), IDPH collaborates with academic institutions, technology partners, local health departments, and others to drive progress in workforce development and data modernization. These strategic relationships ensure initiatives are community-driven, sustainable, and responsive—laying the foundation for a modern, equitable public health infrastructure statewide.
Data Governance and Data Modernization

The IDPH Data Governance Board (DGB) and Data Modernization Advisory Committee work together to advance the department’s broader data modernization strategy. The DGB–comprising leaders and experts from across the agency–develops and oversees data policies and practices to ensure information is managed responsibly, transparently, and in alignment with public health priorities, legal requirements, and operational needs. The Advisory Committee, which includes IDPH leadership, technical experts, and local health department partners, guides agency-wide data improvements, supports data sharing, aligns initiatives, maximizes funding, and expands access to surveillance systems. Members from both groups participate in CDC-led trainings to remain current on best practices.
Strengthening Illinois's Public Health Administration (SIPA) Grant

SIPA is an extension of the CDC’s Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG), providing workforce development funding to 96 certified local health departments in Illinois. Each receives about $350,000 over five years, excluding the Chicago Department of Public Health, which receives these funds directly from CDC. Funds support hiring, retention, training, and other efforts to build public health capacity.