CDC Launches Updated Public Health Data Strategy

Today the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched its updated Public Health Data Strategy for 2024-2025 and a companion 2023 Lookback Report. First launched in 2023, the strategy outlines the data, technology, policy, and administrative actions essential to address challenges in data exchange between healthcare organizations and public health authorities and between state, tribal, local, territorial and federal public health authorities. Seamless sharing of data helps ensure our nation can rapidly detect and respond to new threats.

The strategy advances the priorities of the CDC’s Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) in concrete and measurable increments. The accomplishments of 2023 better positioned our nation to detect and respond in near real-time to health threats and inform the public by better connecting public health to healthcare data systems and advancing tools that streamline work.

“We need a modernized public health data infrastructure that is seamlessly connected to the healthcare data and information technology ecosystem to effectively protect the health of communities across the country,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H. “Data are the oxygen that powers our ability to detect and respond to health threats. Early detection and monitoring of health threats rely on timely data in order for us to investigate and respond effectively.”

Faster Sharing of Data to Make Faster Decisions

A standout achievement during 2023 is the increase in the number of healthcare facilities implementing electronic case reporting. Electronic case reporting, or eCRhelps move data quickly, securely, and seamlessly from healthcare facilities to state, tribal, local, and territorial public health agencies on actionable threats. More than 36,000 healthcare facilities can now send electronic case reports, up from more than 23,000 at the start of 2023.

Key Takeaways

• The CDC launched its updated Public Health Data Strategy for 2024-2025.
• The strategy focuses on improving data exchange between healthcare and public health systems.
• Over 36,000 healthcare facilities now utilize electronic case reporting (eCR).
• The CDC’s Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) is driving these improvements.
• Timely data sharing is crucial for rapid detection and response to health threats.