Publication and Communication Resources

Key points

Data modernization is a CDC priority, enhancing surveillance, data systems, and analysis to advance public health. This page highlights key publications that showcase our efforts and progress in modernizing data practices across the agency, driving impactful outcomes. This list offers a representative overview, not an exhaustive one.
Public Health Data Modernization: Protecting Health and Improving Lives. digital connections

Featured Resources

Reports and Training for Jurisdictions

CDC highlights techniques for integrating data across housing services and health to better understand the needs of people experiencing homelessness (PEH) and inform tailored public health action. Integrated data can empower jurisdictions with a better understanding of the non-medical drivers that impact health, allowing for more cost-effective resource allocation and better health outcomes.

The following case studies, highlighting work in Michigan and Ohio, demonstrate how data warehouses can transform public health approaches to homelessness. To support jurisdictions considering the implementation of similar systems, CDC offers two versions of each report:

For professionals seeking additional training, CDC also offers Engaging with Sensitivity: Techniques for Interviewing Persons Experiencing Homelessness, Disability, and Substance Use Disorders, a 2.75-hour, introductory-level course on CDC TRAIN. This course covers essential skills in cultural humility, rapport-building, and techniques for discussing sensitive topics. It is ideal for case interviewers, disease intervention specialists, and other public health professionals working with disproportionately affected populations. Access this free, self-directed course on (course ID: 1122965) or after establishing a free account on either platform.

These resources provide valuable insights and practical tools for jurisdictions aiming to improve outcomes for populations affected by housing instability through data modernization and effective public health interviewing practices.

Featured Publications

Plugging Public Health Data into the Health IT Ecosystem to Protect National Health (NEJM Catalyst)

  • Summary: Explores the integration of public health data into the broader health IT ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of data interoperability and real-time data sharing to enhance national health protection.
  • Read Article:

Strategies, Plans and Reports

  • The Public Health Data Strategy
  • The DMI Strategic Implementation Plan
    • Summary: Lays out five key priorities and objectives to guide CDC's data modernization efforts (2021)
    • Read Plan: .A

  • Public Health Data Strategy: 2023 Year-End Lookback Report: From Insights to Impact
  • 2022 DMI Snapshot: Transforming Data to Protect Health
  • DMI Snapshot 2021: Building a Strong Foundation (historic)
    • Summary: A record of progress in public health data modernization, with a focus on the 5 priorities driving new approaches to data.
    • Read Report: .
  • Public Health Data Modernization: Listening Session on Real-World Testing of 21st Century Cures Act RequirementsA
    • Summary: A 2020 listening session discussing the benefits of emerging data standards for public health.
    • Read Executive Summary:.
  • Public Health Surveillance Preparing for the Future: Newer. Faster. Smarter. Better.A
    • Summary: CDC's first strategy to transform and modernize surveillance systems. over 3 to 5 years. (2014)
    • Read Report:

Case Studies and Modernization Examples

Success Stories in Data Modernization

  • Summary: This compilation of case studies showcases success stories in data modernization from various public health departments, illustrating the tangible benefits and impact of modernized data systems.
  • Websites:

Additional Resources

  1. Prior data modernization content included as historical reference