In today’s rapidly evolving public health landscape, the ability to efficiently manage grants and workforce programs is mission-critical. Public health agencies, such as the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and its Bureau of Health Workforce (BHW), are tasked with ensuring equitable access to care, especially in underserved communities. Yet, many agencies have long been constrained by outdated legacy systems, manual processes, and fragmented data—challenges that can hinder their ability to respond to public health emergencies and deliver impactful programs at scale.
Publicis Sapient’s grants management and digital modernization capabilities are transforming how public health agencies operate. By replacing legacy systems with cloud-based, workflow-driven platforms, agencies are not only streamlining operations but also driving measurable improvements in provider retention, processing times, and data-driven decision-making. Here’s how this transformation is reshaping the future of public health program management.
Over 70 million Americans live in rural or underserved areas with limited access to healthcare. Agencies like HRSA are responsible for connecting these communities with qualified providers through federal programs such as loan repayment and scholarships. However, outdated mainframe systems and manual, paper-based processes made it difficult to scale these programs, track their impact, and respond rapidly to emerging health crises. When federal funding increased to address new public health challenges, the need for a modern, scalable solution became urgent.
Publicis Sapient partnered with HRSA and BHW to deliver a comprehensive digital transformation, centered on the development and enhancement of the Bureau of Health Workforce Management Information System Solution (BMISS) platform. This initiative replaced a 35-year-old mainframe and over 23 legacy applications with a modern, web-based, customer-centric digital environment. Key components of this transformation include:
The impact of Publicis Sapient’s digital modernization efforts for HRSA and BHW is both broad and deep:
A modern, agile digital infrastructure has positioned HRSA to respond quickly to public health emergencies. The ability to project potential impacts on specific communities and rapidly map resources has proven invaluable during crises, allowing HRSA to scale its response and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. The expansion of programs and the integration of real-time data have made HRSA a model for responsive, data-driven public health management.
Publicis Sapient’s approach to grants management modernization is rooted in deep public sector expertise, human-centered design, and agile methodologies. Our cloud-based, workflow-driven platforms are designed to:
With a proven track record of delivering rapid, measurable results, Publicis Sapient stands as a trusted partner for public health agencies seeking to modernize their operations and improve outcomes. Our expertise in strategy, product, experience, engineering, and data & AI—combined with a deep commitment to health equity—positions us to help agencies unlock new possibilities, drive efficiency, and ensure that every community has access to the care and support it deserves.
Ready to transform your public health programs? Let’s shape the future of access and equity together.