INFORMATICS
Building the Foundation for Public Health Data Modernization
By Melanie Kourbage, MA, PMP, lead specialist, Informatics
Microbiologist Oliva Welsh at work in the UDHHS laboratory. Photo: UDHHS
As public health agencies face increasing funding uncertainty, the need for a flexible, forward-looking data modernization strategy has never been clearer. For many, the first critical step is conducting a thorough internal assessment to pinpoint the biggest gaps and highest priorities that must be addressed.
Lessons from Utah
In fall 2024, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services( UDHHS) launched an ambitious, enterprisewide evaluation of its data systems. Using focus groups, the process brought together programs across the agency to ensure a balanced, insightful understanding of systemic needs. Key areas investigated included:
• Data access and sharing
• Data sources and quality
• Data processes and workflows
• Infrastructure readiness
• Governance and policy alignment
• Workforce capacity and training
The result was a clear, actionable summary of challenges, opportunities and strategic recommendations. UDHHS also created a dynamic list of proposed data modernization projects— a“ living” roadmap to guide future action. The findings and recommendations from UDHHS’ s listening and learning sessions with the laboratory reflect issues common across many public health laboratories nationwide, which include:
● Limited data access and internal sharing
● Heavy dependence on outdated and unsupported systems
● Policy and governance hurdles
● Skill gaps and lack of specialized training
The recommendations in the final report were a combination of immediate actions and longer-term goals. Over the long term, the report recommended that the laboratory focus on— as resources and funding allow— upgrading legacy systems, adopting cloud-based solutions, expanding instrument integration with the LIMS and replacing outdated sequencers. Even if full implementation is not yet feasible, these modernization goals are now documented and prioritized for future investment.
More immediately, UDHHS will implement several of the report’ s recommendations. For example, UDHHS intends to improve data literacy and strengthen its sequencing program by hiring a genomic epidemiologist to train individuals on genomic data and its utilization. Also, UDHHS is in the process of creating standardized data-sharing agreements to break down interdepartmental data silos and, in order to strengthen the connection between the laboratory and UDHHS data modernization efforts, a member of public health laboratory leadership has joined the data modernization core team.
Fostering Member Success Through Shared Experience
Ensuring that the laboratory is a part of an organization’ s data modernization conversation is one of the key goals of the APHL Data Modernization Subcommittee. Using knowledge acquired by APHL member laboratories during their modernization journeys, this subcommittee, launched in early 2025,
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Learn More
● Want to learn more about the Subcommittee or share your laboratory’ s priorities? Reach out to Melanie Kourbage.
● Just getting started? Check out the Public Health Institute’ s Data Modernization Initiative Planning Toolkit for practical guidance.
● Coming soon: Keep an eye out for the public health laboratory data modernization survey to make your voice heard!
● Want the full story? UDHHS’ s journey is featured in the CSTE Stories from the Field series.
30 LAB MATTERS Fall 2025 PublicHealthLabs @ APHL. org
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