Oral

The20importance of information technology for public health has been widely recognized. In this session, we aim to explore the channels and mechanisms to collaborate with APHA, especially the Health Informatics Information Technology (HIIT) Special Primary Interest Group (SPIG). The speakers will share perspectives on the elimination of health disparities through the use of health IT applications in public health. Special emphasis will be placed on interdisciplinary collaborations in preventive health and public policy.

Session Objectives: Discuss opportunities for the collaboration of public health and Health IT in efforts to reduce disparities and improve health outcomes. Describe the National Health IT Collaborative for the Underserved (NHIT), its mission, key objectives and at least two reasons for the establishment of the NHIT and its focus on communities of color and other underserved populations. Describe at least one area in which APHA and the NHIT share common interests and concerns.