Much has changed over the last year – a new Informatics organization, a number of new national health IT initiatives, as well as reduced budgets and resources across public health. We are at a critical juncture, a critical point in time where we must reexamine our priorities, do more with less, and gain efficiencies across the public health enterprise. Additionally, it has become challenging to keep up with the array of national efforts and their related activities. These efforts create both opportunities and challenges for public health. The Public Health Informatics and Technology Program Office has taken a new look at the Public Health Information Network (PHIN) and has worked with our partners to develop a strategic plan that addresses alignment with national efforts such as the Standards and Interoperability Framework, participation in standards activities, identifying best practices, and developing services and tools to meet the needs of public health at all levels. We are also working to provide appropriate venues to generate discussions and engage in dialogue to help us understand the issues and challenges. The PHIN Newsletter will highlight success stories and upcoming events such as the Public Health Informatics Conference, and will provide information on a few helpful resources and programs currently available at CDC. We look forward to seeing you at the Public Health Informatics (PHI) Conference in August.

Stephen B. Thacker CDC Library collection