In mid-July, the Association for State, Tribal, and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) hosted collaborative meetings for five state and local pilot sites involved in a critical data modernization project. Representatives from the pilot sites, NACCHO, ASTHO, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response’s HHS Coordination Operations and Response Element (ASPR H-CORE) teams gathered to share the successes, challenges, and outlook of this project work, which began in March 2024.
Background
NACCHO’s initiative involves two pilot sites—the City of Long Beach Health and Human Services and the Northern Kentucky Independent District Health Department. In parallel, ASTHO, conducted similar efforts with three pilot sites: the Washington State Department of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Massachusetts’ Department of Public Health. This collaborative effort was designed to facilitate rapid access to actionable data concerning medical countermeasures (MCMs) and other critical public health supplies during emergencies. The cornerstone of this project is a robust bidirectional data-sharing framework between ASPR, states, and local health departments. This framework enables leaders and responders to coordinate and scale responses more efficiently, reduce costs, and act swiftly during emergencies that pose a threat to national health.
Central to this initiative is the Data Use Agreement (DUA), which is event-agnostic and allows for the exchange of minimum data elements (i.e. manufacturer name, expiration date, national drug code, etc.) of government assets to flow bidirectionally on a regular basis, as well as during emergencies. Assets can vary from vaccines to baby formula, depending on the specific needs of the emergency. The need for transparency provided by such data sharing ensures timely and equitable decision-making at all levels of government. Establishing a DUA with agreed-upon minimum data elements prior to a crisis is an important strategy for administrative preparedness and was a central focus of this project. This is underscored in NACCHO’s 2022 Preparedness Profile, which highlighted that local health departments often rely on informal mechanisms to address administrative preparedness needs during public health emergencies.
Key Takeaways to Date
The July meeting between the various teams included several high-level takeaways from the project work thus far. With a steady collaborative effort on realistic, actionable steps, the public health preparedness sector can address some of the gaps of resource scarcity in emergencies. The local health departments brought along their state counterparts, who contributed to the discussions on data flow framework and future collaborations to scale and sustain the goals of this project. ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell was present at the meeting and emphasized cross-government collaboration and the pivotal role a DUA plays in federal decision-making and the timely exchange of critical information between ASPR and local health departments. This bi-directional communication is a step forward to more rapid dissemination of information about medical countermeasures and other public health supplies necessary during emergencies.
This initiative marks a significant achievement in our ongoing efforts to adopt a proactive approach to national health threats. By prioritizing preparedness and fostering collaboration, NACCHO, ASTHO, and ASPR are setting a precedent for how local and federal entities can work together to safeguard the health of the nation. This funding is more than just a monetary contribution; it’s an investment in a future where public health emergencies are met with unprecedented readiness.
Reflecting on the progress made, it’s clear that the path to a safer, more resilient public health infrastructure lies in such collaborative endeavors. The City of Long Beach and the Northern Kentucky Independent District are at the forefront of this journey, equipped with the experience to make a tangible impact on their communities’ health security and readiness to respond. This initiative highlights the importance of preparedness, partnership, and the strategic use of data in protecting public health. It’s a reminder that when the public health preparedness community comes together, with a shared vision and resources, it can build a stronger, more prepared nation.
Representatives from City of Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services and California Department of Public Health with ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell.
ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell speaks to the how this project ties into the big picture of readiness.
Northern Kentucky Independent Health District and Kentucky Department for Public Health representatives with ASPR Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell.
NACCHO CEO Lori Tremmel Freeman notes the dedication and great work of the local pilot sites.
