Fostering Collaboration Between Clinical and Public Health Communities

At the HIMSS26 Public Health Data Modernization Preconference Forum, public health, clinical, and technology leaders came together to emphasize the importance of strong cross-sector partnerships to support data sharing and systems modernization efforts.

Trusted data and shared action can lead to stronger, healthier communities — provided that public health experts at the state, territory, local, and tribal (STLT) levels can access and share vital data. Public health organizations and agencies are working hard to support digital health transformation to facilitate data exchange; however, between outdated systems and uncertain funding, it can be an ongoing challenge.

The 2026 Public Health Data Modernization Preconference Forum highlighted the challenges public health agencies are facing — as well as best practices to shape and sustain public health and healthcare in the future.