Since the COVID-19 pandemic and launch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Data Modernization Initiative (DMI), improving workforce capacity has risen high on the list of priorities to achieve the goals of data modernization for public health. In February 2024, the CDC Foundation (CDCF) was awarded federal funds from CDC, through the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL), to launch the Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI). The WAI aims to accelerate data modernization and strengthen the capacity of public health authorities (PHAs) to deliver high priority information system improvements by adding technology and data experts to their teams. This staffing augmentation is intended to increase the ability of state, tribal, local and territorial (STLT) public health agencies to leverage modern technology and interoperable data for public health action.
The WAI is targeting the recruitment, hiring, and placement of 140 technology and data experts across 49 STLTs across the nation. WAI program placements include experts in engineering, software development, IT infrastructure, informatics, and IT project management and are working on a variety of systems and programs, including population health management systems (e.g., EHRs to support clinical services), laboratory systems, case reporting, vital statistics, immunizations, and syndromic surveillance.
As a part of this initiative, CDCF engaged HLN Consulting to compile and to develop public health informatics training resources to support their successful transition to working as IT professionals in a governmental, public health setting. First on the list was compiling a list of acronyms and a glossary of key terminology!
Resources developed through this process are available on the HLN website. A list of both core and recommended training opportunities and materials were compiled to orient WAI placements to key public health domains and concepts that offer public health context and support their role in public health agencies. Complementary reference materials, such as a listing of public health acronyms, glossary, and key resources allow for further exploration of information related to public health informatics, data modernization, interoperability, health equity, disease surveillance, workforce development and training, and more. In addition to leveraging existing resources, HLN developed two high-level training videos, including an Overview of the U.S. Public Health Data Ecosystem and How Public Health Agencies are Funded.
While these materials were compiled and developed with the WAI placements as the primary audience, they are accessible and relevant to the broader public health informatics community. If you have feedback or suggestions for additional resources to be included, please email waitrainings@cdcfoundation.org.
This initiative was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $116,330, with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government. Click here for more information on the Workforce Acceleration Initiative.