Public Health Data Strategy Workforce Acceleration

The Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI): Driving Data Modernization and Impact

Across the nation, many of today’s public health systems are running on yesterday’s technologies and out-of-date information and data connections.

Improving this digital infrastructure is going to require updated equipment, new policies and the addition of skilled technical professionals at all levels.

The Workforce Acceleration Initiative (WAI) focuses on providing the data and technology experts needed to accelerate these information system improvements and bolster the ability of public health agencies to serve all communities equally.

Learn more at the official launch announcement.

Our Workforce

Forty-nine public health agencies (PHAs) have been selected and over 125 WAI Placements have been hired. From data scientists to engineers, WAI continues to chart a path for better outcomes in public health.
 
See the full list of participating public health agencies highlighted on the official launch announcement.

WAI Projects

WAI Placements are actively involved in projects that are modernizing public health infrastructure and leading to tangible improvements in our ability to protect and serve communities.

INFOGRAPHIC: Learn More About Our Projects

WAI Training and Workforce

Core Training Curriculum 

WAI integrated more than 90% of its Placements from outside public health using a focused core training curriculum—enabling them to quickly contribute to information systems work in public health.

An evaluation of 104 Placements showed big gains across all 23 competencies, with most improving by 40–60 percentage points. This shows strong growth and that the curriculum meets the learning needs of people new to public health.

This model can help other PHAs onboard data modernization contractors, train new hires, and upskill current staff—regardless of public health experience.

Technical Job Descriptions across PHAs 

WAI created 11 ready-to-use job description templates for technology roles. These were designed for PHAs to easily adjust for their specific needs.

The job descriptions use tech-friendly language and job titles, rather than public health language. This has helped PHAs attract a wider range of candidates with different backgrounds and experiences, making it easier to find the right people for their tech teams. 

Resources

Public Health Agency Information Infrastructure Maturity Model

This model was originally developed by the CDC Foundation to evaluate WAI PHA system improvements. Currently, the model can be used as a tool to support any PHA, no matter its size or type, to determine how to modernize its information structure. It also clarifies how updates, even basic improvements, fit in with an overall Public Health Data Strategy.

Public Health IT & Informatics: Communities, Committees and Other Groups

For more information, contact WAI@cdcfoundation.org.

The Workforce Acceleration Initiative is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $73,945,916 with 100 percent funded by CDC/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.

Program Description: To recruit and place data modernization experts in public health authorities across the country. The CDC Foundation will also lead and support trainings, convenings and networking opportunities for all recruits in order to build critical competencies for public health data experts.

Funding Partners: