As part of the Health Alert Network (HAN) grants from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Minnesota Department of Health is conducting an assessment among the 87 county and 4 city public health departments in the state to determine their readiness to communicate electronically. Information received will serve as the local agency’s application for HAN grant funds. The following components of an electronic communication system are addressed: connection to the Internet, desktop access to e-mail and the Web, ability to use e-mail and the Web, and unmet needs. Information about the local health department’s emergency planning, community alert system, and barriers to using electronic communication are also included. The results of this assessment will (1) serve as the baseline as we move forward with the Health Alert Network, (2) identify unmet needs to assist in seeking further funding for electronic communication, (3) focus training efforts most efficiently, and (4) provide a better understanding of how electronic communication is viewed in local public health agencies.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participants will be able to (1) define the four components of electronic communication addressed in this assessment, (2) describe readiness to communicate electronically and to fully participate in the Health Alert Network among local public health departments in Minnesota, and (3) discuss three unmet needs relating to electronic communication identified by local public health departments
Keywords: Information Technology, Infrastructure
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.