Public health data and surveillance systems are core components of our nation’s public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized how critical these data systems are for the public as well as the need to transform and upgrade them to better meet current and future demands.
Public health data modernization is a collective effort executed by federal, state, local, and tribal organizations to strengthen these systems. ASTHO has identified data modernization and interoperability as one of its strategic priorities, highlighting the need for an enterprise-level data infrastructure in which public health data systems are interoperable, secure, and supported by a state-of-the-art workforce.
ASTHO supports its members and health agency staff in advancing data modernization efforts by providing technical assistance, capacity building support, and leadership development opportunities. ASTHO also supports forums for stakeholder engagement and peer-to-peer learning such as the Public Health TechXpo, an annual convening of public health leaders and technology experts who tackle the toughest public health data and technology challenges.
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COVID-19 Technology & Digital Tools Inventory
This database catalogues state/territorial health agency adoption of surveillance systems and digital technologies that support COVID-19 response.
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COVID-19 Highlights Critical Need for Public Health Data Modernization to Remain a Priority
This commentary in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice describes the need for improved public health surveillance and data systems and outlines state/territorial priorities.
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Strengthening Health Agencies through Consensus-driven Data Standards and Practices
An environmental scan consisting of a literature, policy, and guidelines review. Produced in partnership with Briljent and EMI Advisors.
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Jurisdictions Using Policy to Address Unique Island Area Health Challenges
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Integrating Environmental Health and Electronic Health Information Using GIS Tools
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ASTHO manages an online community for state informatics directors to provide a venue for state and territorial health agency leaders in informatics, data analytics, and surveillance to share information on promising practices, network with one another, and engage in meaningful discussions with each other and ASTHO on emerging or pressing health IT/informatics issues.
ASTHO regularly engages with key partners to advance state and territorial data modernization priorities. Key partners include:
- Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology
- Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
- CDC
- Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists
- Public Health Informatics Institute
- Health Information and Management Systems Society
- National Association of County and City Health Officials
- Association of Public Health Laboratories
- American Immunization Registry Association
- Electronic Health Record Association
- Civitas Networks for Health