Q and A by George Hobor: “Data help us understand how healthy people and communities are. They show where problems are and help guide support to the right places. They also help us see what’s working and what needs to change. Philanthropy has played a key role in elevating the importance of data.
Over 1.2 million people died during COVID-19, partly because the health system lacked complete and reliable information. The crisis revealed deep flaws in how we collect and use health data—especially for communities of color. In response, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) created the National Commission to Transform Public Health Data Systems to reimagine a better health data system that represents—and serves—everyone.
Significant progress has been achieved since then, but new threats to public health data have emerged, with the purge and alteration of critical federal data sets. In this Q&A, I reflect on why these data matter, how philanthropy can help and protect them, and what RWJF is doing to respond.
Why are good public health data important for communities?
Public health data track issues that affect us all—from infectious diseases like measles to opioid use to gun violence. These are not rare or isolated events. They are public or social issues and not personal troubles. Thus, they require social interventions to be effectively resolved. Data show us social problems and the limits of personal efficacy…(More)”.
