Stories from the field - the state and local experience developing, enhancing and understanding health information technology infrastructure

In 2010 NACCHO had the opportunity to support State and Local Health departments by providing Health Information Technology (HIT) technical assistance. To that end, NACCHO planned a series of case studies meant to highlight state and local health departments working to increase their Health Information Technology infrastructure. Health departments of all sizes and governance structures are discovering how to best incorporate new and existing technology into their daily work and continue to find Health Information Technology to be a critical infrastructure need. Over the last three years, health departments across the country at the local, state and federal level have responded to federal Health Information Technology mandates, the need for data collection and exchange, and improving surveillance efforts. The case studies being shared in this highlight the relationships between state and local health departments, general needs around HIT, the various systems being put in place to meet jurisdictional needs, and successes and recommendations for health departments looking to enhance their HIT capabilities and strengths. Health Information Technology continues to be an emerging and critical issue for health departments. Currently health departments are learning about what systems are available and how to best utilize these systems and their capabilities to make a true impact on the health of their communities.