What is a Model Practice?

A model practice is an innovative resource, initiative, program, administrative practice, tool, method of communicating the value of governmental public health, or way of doing business that can be evaluated. A model practice does not have to be a traditional public health program but should be one that demonstrates exemplary and replicable qualities in response to a local public health need. Model practices cut across all areas of public health, including chronic disease, community health, emergency preparedness, environmental health, infectious disease, infrastructure, and public information.         

Who is eligible to apply?

NACCHO primarily accepts applications from local health departments. The goal of the model practices program is to facilitate inter-community sharing of best practices among local health departments. These practices offer relevant and replicable practices that are vital to the work of public health practitioners so as to learn from and build upon the work of others and avoid “re-inventing the wheel.” 

Are applications competitive?

No. Model and promising practices are not competitive; they are only scored against the set criteria.

When can I submit my application?

NACCHO will only accepting online submissions from October 3, 2016 - December 9, 2016. We strongly encourage you to submit your application early.

How do I submit an application for a model or promising practice?

All applications will be filled out online by logging into your My NACCHO account at www.naccho.org. If you need technical assistance please email practices@naccho.org.

Can I only apply online?

Yes, NACCHO is only accepting online applications. NACCHO will not accept any application sent via e-mail, fax, or conventional mail.

Will I receive a confirmation when my application has been received?

Yes, an e-mail confirmation is automatically sent to the applicant upon successful completion of the online application.

May I submit attachments or fax or mail my application?

No, NACCHO will only accept the content from the online application. Supporting documents can be uploaded with the application.

What is the goal of the Model Practices Program?

The goal of the Model Practices Program is twofold: (1) to nationally honor and recognize outstanding local public health practice and (2) to promote sharing of these outstanding practices among LHDs.

What are the criteria for a model and promising practice?

A model practice meets the following criteria: LHD role, collaboration, innovation, responsiveness, and evaluation.

A promising practice meets the following criteria: LHD role, collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness in addition to some qualitative and quantitative evidence that the practice improves health outcomes. A promising practice exhibits the potential to become a model practice.

How are the applications scored?

Applications will be scored by NACCHO advisory group members, which consist of local health officials and other LHD staff with programmatic expertise.

When will I be notified of my application status?

Applicants will be sent notification letters in March.

If our practice was a promising practice last year, can we apply again?

Yes. NACCHO strongly encourages former promising practice winners to reapply.

Can we submit more than one application?

Yes.

Can an agency be awarded more than one model or promising practice?

Yes.

Our practice is so new it has not been fully evaluated. Should we still apply?

NACCHO recommends that LHDs either wait until the practice has been fully evaluated or apply knowing it may (or may not) be deemed a promising practice without such evaluation.

Pending available funding, if we are awarded a model practice stipend to NACCHO Annual, can we send others at our own expense?

Yes. All local health departments (LHDs) and NACCHO affiliate members are eligible to submit practices; however, only active (dues-paying) NACCHO members will be eligible to receive a stipend to attend the NACCHO Annual Conference (pending available funding for stipend).

Pending available funding, what costs does the stipend cover?

Pending available funding, the stipend could cover the NACCHO Annual registration. Hotel and everything else will be at the expense of the winner or their agency.

If we are awarded a model practice, is it mandatory to attend NACCHO Annual?

No, but winners are highly encouraged to attend to be recognized by peers.

When and where is NACCHO Annual 2017 going to be held?

NACCHO Annual will be in Pittsburg, PA July 11-13, 2017. Visit http://www.nacchoannual.org/ for more information.

Where can I learn more about previous model and promising practices?

All previous model and promising practices are housed in NACCHO’s searchable, online, Model Practices Database at www.naccho.org/topics/modelpractices/database.

What if I have more questions or problems with the online application?

If you have general questions about the Model Practices Program, the application process, or are having technical issues with the online application, please contact the Model Practices team at practices@naccho.org.