Transforming Public Health Data Systems to Advance the Population's Health

Abstract

Policy Points Accurate and reliable data systems are critical for delivering the essential services and foundational capabilities of public health for a 21st-century public health infrastructure. Chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and operational silos limit the effectiveness of America's public health data systems, with the country's anemic response to COVID-19 highlighting the results of long-standing infrastructure gaps. As the public health sector begins an unprecedented data modernization effort, scholars and policymakers should ensure ongoing reforms are aligned with the five components of an ideal public health data system: outcomes and equity oriented, actionable, interoperable, collaborative, and grounded in a robust public health system.