If you would like to conduct a project that involves data, staff, programs, or clients of the Department of Public Health, you will need approval from the Health Commissioner’s Office (HCO) Review Committee.
The HCO Review Panel ensures that the Department of Public Health leadership knows about and/or is an active partner in your project. All projects should be aligned with the department’s mission to protect and promote the health of Philadelphians.
What needs to be submitted for review?
All projects that are intended for a public audience and involve data, staff, programs, or clients of the Department of Public Health must be reviewed.
When a project is near completion, it will be reviewed by HCO for content, methods, communications, and equity considerations. Projects requiring review include, but are not limited to:
- Manuscripts being prepared for a journal submission or publication.
- Conference abstracts, posters, and presentations.
- Reports and data briefs.
- Dashboards and datasets.
- Incoming press request.
- Press conference or release.
- News media pitch.
- Social media post or toolkit.
If you are working on a public-facing project that does not fit into one of these categories, please reach out to hcoreview@phila.gov to discuss HCO review requirements.
How to submit a project for HCO review
You will need to submit a completed HCO Review Committee submission form, which asks for project details (e.g., title, personnel contact information, timeline, and high-level summary of goals) and requires you to upload:
- Project output (e.g., the abstract, data brief, or manuscript).
- Documentation of approval from relevant Department of Public Health division director(s). Reach out to hcoreview@phila.gov with questions.
- For research, documentation of the Department of Public Health’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) determination. Visit the IRB page for information about submitting a research study to the IRB.
Deadlines to submit projects for HCO review are on the first and third Mondays of each month at 12 p.m. If you submit by this deadline, expect to hear back two weeks later, pending extenuating circumstances.