From Data Chaos to Clarity: Modernizing Public Health Data
Picture this: dozens of spreadsheets, systems that don’t talk to each other, and a never-ending hunt for “the right data.” Sound familiar? That’s the challenge of public health data today — and data modernization is the key to turning that chaos into clarity.
What Is Data Modernization?
It means creating smarter, connected systems that help public health teams access, analyze, and share information to make faster, better decisions.
According to the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), modern systems should enable:
Seamless data exchange
Strong governance and privacy practices
Sustainable, adaptable infrastructure
A skilled, data-savvy workforce
It’s not just about technology — it’s about people, processes, and partnerships.
Minnesota’s Momentum: Building a Modern Data Ecosystem
Across Minnesota, local health departments are teaming up through the Local Public Health Data Modernization SCHSAC Workgroup to identify gaps, share ideas, and strengthen our statewide data ecosystem.
Partnerships — from regional peers to MDH support — help everyone modernize together.
The FPHR Connection
Data modernization directly supports the Foundational Public Health Responsibilities (FPHR) — especially the capability of Assessment and Surveillance. Health departments are expected to:
Build and maintain strong data and IT infrastructure
Use timely, high-quality data to guide action
Collaborate with communities to interpret and share data
Detect and respond quickly to emerging health issues
In other words, modern data systems aren’t optional — they’re foundational to protecting health and equity in every community.
How You Can Be a Data Modernizer!
Data modernization isn’t just for analysts or IT pros — it’s for everyone in public health. Every email you send, dataset you clean, or story you tell with data helps move our system forward.
Here are a few easy ways to make a difference:
Everyday Actions
Get curious about your data. Ask where it comes from, how it’s used, and how it connects to the FPHR framework.
Share what you learn. Turn insights into simple visuals or stories that help your team (and partners) see the “why” behind the numbers.
Collaboration Counts
Connect with others. Join regional data conversations, workgroups, or peer-learning spaces to swap ideas and solutions.
Advocate for data equity. Involve community voices when interpreting data to make sure it reflects real experiences.
Celebrate data wins. Recognize when your team uses data to support a decision or improve a process — that’s modernization in action!
Keep Growing
Build your skills. Explore training in visualization, analytics, or informatics — even short sessions can boost confidence. Check out resources like the Public Health Foundation, the Region IV Public Health Training Center, and We All Count’s Talking Data Equity’s weekly series to get started.
Learn the language. Familiarize yourself with concepts like “data governance” or “interoperability” to better navigate our evolving data landscape.
Lastly, stay connected with regional efforts! Read more about the Local Public Health Data Modernization Group and share ideas and feedback with our regional workgroup representative, Rob Prose, St. Louis County Public Health Data Analyst, via our data request form.
Bottom line: You don’t need to be a data scientist to be a data modernizer — just curious, collaborative, and committed to using data to make public health stronger.