National recognition celebrates HIO's commitment to collaboration, community engagement, and advancing health equity across Ohio.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Health Impact Ohio (HIO) has been named the recipient of the 2026 Community Impact Award from Civitas Networks for Health, a national organization that brings together leaders committed to improving health through collaboration, data sharing, and community-centered solutions.
The award was presented as part of the 2026 Civitas Community Excellence Awards, which celebrate organizations and individuals making meaningful contributions to health improvement nationwide.
The Community Impact Award recognizes organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving outreach, engagement, education, and community connections. Recipients are recognized for their ability to identify shared community goals, build coalitions, and measure meaningful progress toward healthier communities.
For Health Impact Ohio, the recognition reflects years of work bringing together healthcare providers, community-based organizations, public health agencies, and other partners to address some of Ohio's most persistent health challenges.
Turning Collaboration into Community Impact
At the heart of HIO's work is a simple belief: lasting health improvements happen when organizations work together, and communities have a voice in shaping the solutions that affect them.
As a Health Improvement Collaborative, HIO improves health equity, access, and quality through community engagement, workforce development, data-informed strategies, and cross-sector partnerships.
One example is the Central Ohio Pathways HUB, which connects individuals and families with Community Health Workers (CHWs) who help address barriers to health and well-being. Through partnerships with community care agencies, healthcare organizations, and other stakeholders, the HUB helps individuals navigate challenges related to housing, food insecurity, transportation, healthcare access, and other social drivers of health.
HIO is also helping strengthen Ohio's CHW workforce through its no-cost CHW Certification Training Program, which has prepared more than 375 individuals for careers supporting the health of their communities. By investing in training, professional development, and employer partnerships, HIO is helping build a stronger, more sustainable community-based workforce.
Beyond these programs, HIO serves as a convener, bringing together organizations and community leaders to share knowledge, align resources, and develop innovative solutions to complex health challenges.
A Recognition Shared with Our Partners
The Civitas Community Impact Award is particularly meaningful because collaboration is fundamental to HIO's mission.
The organization's work is made possible through relationships with community-based organizations, CHWs, healthcare providers, funders, public agencies, and individuals with lived experience who help inform and guide its efforts.
This national recognition celebrates not only the work of HIO's team, but also the collective commitment of the many partners working to create healthier, more equitable communities throughout Ohio.
Looking Ahead
As HIO continues to expand partnerships, strengthen the CHW workforce, and advance community-centered models of care, the Community Impact Award celebrates progress and motivates the work ahead.
HIO remains committed to creating opportunities for collaboration, elevating community voices, and developing sustainable approaches that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
We are grateful to Civitas Networks for Health for this recognition and to the many partners, CHWs, and community members whose dedication makes our work possible.
Learn more about the Civitas Community Excellence Awards at civitasforhealth.org/awards-recognition.