Co-design values: public health perspectives

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.