An Overview of the NWTEC’s May Data Modernization Workshop

The Northwest Tribal Epidemiology Center (NWTEC) hosted a workshop on May 17th and 18th, 2023, to accelerate NWTEC’s data modernization efforts across NWTEC programs and projects, including Epi & Surveillance, IDEA-NW, and Public Health Improvement and Training, participated in the two-day interactive workshop. With planning and facilitation support from Kahuina Consulting, we shared stories of organizational strength and success, explored our collective values and aspirations for data modernization, and prioritized ideas to enhance our data processes and systems.

During the workshop, participants split into two groups to advance critical data-related projects already underway at NWTEC. One group focused on developing the data hub, which refers to a “one-stop shop” for Tribes and NWTEC programs to access critical public health data and analyses describing the health of their communities. Another group examined NWTEC’s processing and fulfillment of data and technical assistance requests and ways to streamline and simplify the process for Tribes. Both projects will boost NWTEC’s ability to provide high-quality public health data and epidemiological support for Northwest Tribes.

Based on the workshop outputs, the NWTEC data modernization leadership team will develop a roadmap aligned with Tribe, Board, and staff opportunities for input and continued work to advance existing projects. NWTEC will continue to share project updates and opportunities for input and involvement at future Quarterly Board Meetings, in future Health News & Notes articles, and on our website. Workshop participants continue to work together to explore actions that modernize NWTEC’s data infrastructure and enhance our ability to serve, assist, and collaborate with Tribal partners.

To learn more about this workshop or NPAIHB’s data modernization efforts, please get in touch with Bridget Canniff at bcanniff@npaihb.org or Sujata Joshi at sjoshi@npaihb.org.