Latest from F&T Labs
Insights on public health technology, AI implementation, and health department innovation
Developing Comprehensive AI Policies for Public Health
Why Public Health Needs AI Policies Now The reality is straightforward: your staff are using AI tools whether you have a policy or not. The question isn't whether AI will be used in your department—it's whether it will be used safely and responsibly. Without clear...
Public Health AI Policy Template
Building Your AI Policy: A Practical Guide for Public Health Departments Creating an AI policy doesn't have to be complicated. This comprehensive AI policy guide for public health helps health departments develop clear, practical frameworks for using generative AI...
Why Process Mapping Is Your Secret Weapon for AI Implementation for Public Health
Most AI implementations in public health don't fail because of the technology. They fail because organizations skip the most crucial step: understanding what they're actually trying to fix. You can't automate what you don't understand. And you definitely shouldn't...
5 Uncomfortable Truths about AI in Public Health
In our recent analysis of 50 conversations with public health professionals, we discovered a striking reality: your staff are already using generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude in their daily work. They're using these tools whether you have a policy or...
12 Things Your Public Health AI Policy Needs
The Reality of AI Use in Public Health Today According to the National Association of Counties (NACo), 60% of county officials reported using AI at least monthly for work in 2023-2024. This aligns with what we've found in our own research at Flourish and Thrive Labs,...
Use of GenAI in State & Local Health Departments
Help us map the current landscape of generative AI in public health Local health departments across the country are navigating the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence in different ways. Some have embraced AI tools to streamline workflows, others are...
PH360 Environmental Health AI: Turning Your Food Code Into a Trusted Teammate
Video and Text Split Environmental-health programs inside local public-health departments face a perfect storm: more inspections and community questions, fewer seasoned inspectors, and growing expectations for clear, consistent guidance. Every visit still demands...
Preparing for Federal Funding Shifts: A Strategic Approach for Public Health Departments
Our Current Hypothesis on the Changing Landscape The public health funding environment is experiencing unprecedented shifts. Based on our analysis of current trends and regulatory changes, we believe health departments need to act strategically now to position...
How Public Health Is Really Using AI: Lessons from 50 conversations
Artificial intelligence dominates public health conversations, from conferences to vendor pitches promising "AI-powered" solutions. But much of the current literature, studies, and conversations about AI in public health remain surface-level, offering little...
AI for Public Health Teams
Local health departments face unprecedented challenges today. Budgets continue to tighten while public health threats grow more complex. Frontline positions—epidemiologists, nurses, environmental health specialists—are increasingly difficult to fill, yet communities...
A Community Based Environment Scan in North Chicago, IL
Community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers a powerful approach for organizations to equitably engage marginalized groups, center local voices, and drive community-led solutions. Rather than extractive, top-down research on communities, CBPR conducts inquiry...
How Waukegan, IL Implemented a Citywide Business Continuity Management System (BCMS)
Introduction: Future-Proofing Essential City Services A Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) is essential for municipalities striving to maintain core operations during disruptions — from cyberattacks and natural disasters to infrastructure failures....
Public Health 360 (PH360) is Transforming Local Health Departments
In today's digital age, local public health departments face unprecedented challenges in delivering essential services to their communities. From managing disease outbreaks to conducting restaurant inspections, these vital agencies often operate with outdated...
The Story Behind PH360
Want to know more about the background that contributes to the PH360TM platform that F&T Labs has developed? As former public health officials, we've lived through the challenges that local health departments face daily. We've worked late nights manually entering...
Strategic Planning for Statewide NonProfit
Breaking the "Boring Planning Session" Stereotype When the Illinois Community Health Workers Association (ILCHWA) needed to develop their strategic plan, they faced a common challenge: engaging over 80 stakeholders spread across the state, speaking multiple languages,...
Capacity Building In All We Do
The Power of Sustainable Change in Public Health At Flourish & Thrive Labs, we live by a simple but powerful motto: "Be the consultants clients are glad to have had but never need again." This isn't just a catchphrase - it's our fundamental approach to public...
Empathy Driven Engagement Workshops
Connecting with your constituents is the lifeblood of effective public service. Yet fostering true civic engagement often proves elusive despite the best intentions. Meeting announcements go unnoticed, ambitious initiatives flounder, and apathy lingers. If this sounds...
Trauma-Informed Executive Coaching for Local Public Health
Meeting Public Health Where It Is When a Washington State health department found itself navigating significant organizational transitions, they turned to Flourish & Thrive Labs for our unique combination of comprehensive coaching and specialized training...
Developing a Maternal Child Health Metric for a Local Health Department
Background on Sauk County Health Department The Sauk County Health Department serves a diverse community of around 65,000 residents. This community is home to the City of Baraboo and the popular tourist destination of the Wisconsin Dells. The Sauk County Health...
Automating a Manual Workflow for a Local Government
A lively city in Northern Illinois, home to approximately 100,000 residents, is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere characterized by street fairs, carnivals, rallies, and more. However, the special event permitting process required a facelift to ensure the safety and...
Local Public Health AI Policy
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming various sectors, and public health is no exception – your staff and your community are likely already using AI tools like ChatGPT. Local health departments (LHDs) are increasingly reckoning with the potential of AI...
The 6-Part THRIVE Consulting Methodology
In today’s dynamic business environment, organizations must be agile and responsive to evolving challenges. Consulting services are often sought for guidance, but there’s a common concern that many consultants tend to entrench themselves within the client’s...
The Need for a Local Public Health Strategic Plan
The Cooper County Public Health Center (CCPHC) in Missouri faced significant challenges despite the tireless efforts of its dedicated staff. With a population of around 17,000, Cooper County’s public health needs are diverse and complex. The organization had undergone...
Customized Data Storytelling Training for Public Health
As the end of the year approached, one of our public health clients found themselves with funds remaining in their maternal and child health consulting budget. They saw this as a valuable opportunity to invest in capacity building for their team and reached out to...
