Public Health Informatics
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The capacity to use information is fundamental to all public health activities. Information management and communication are key parts of the infrastructure on which the public health system is built. Historically, public health information systems have been built using a "silo" approach—different information systems for different programs that cannot communicate with each other. The challenge for public health activities is to build integrated information systems that get the right information to the right people when they need it. In addition to the links above, NACCHO has a number of initiatives aimed at advancing the use of informatics. Click on the links to find out more.
On Aug. 31, the Office of the National Coordinator for Information Technology announced the first Authorized Testing and Certification Bodies (ATCBs) for electronic health record (EHR) technology. There are now organizations ready and able to begin certifying EHR technology. More » 
On February 17, 2009, President Obama passed a $787 billion bill called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Included in this law is $19.2 billion for the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act, which is intended to improve individual and population health outcomes through the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) and exchange of health information. NACCHO’s Public Health Informatics team has created a database of those who have been awarded grants under the HITECH Act. The information can be viewed by state and will be continuously updated. If you are a recipient of a HITECH grant, or know of any additional information not currently displayed, please send us any information that could help us keep the map accurate and up to date. The information will allow LHDs to take advantage of the services grant recipients will be offering, including the sharing of best practices and technical assistance for LHDs to adopt health information technologies, and access to more resources for LHDs not currently involved in these projects. More » Continuing Education Opportunities CDC Public Health Informatics Program AMIA 10x10 Program Continuing Education in Public Health Informatics |
