University of Washington researchers affiliated with the Center for Disaster Resilient Communities recently published outcomes from a partnership with researchers and public health leaders across the Pacific Northwest to develop a blueprint for a regional data ecosystem designed to improve preparedness and response to public health emergencies.
Using a collaborative, user-centered process, representatives from Tribal, state and local public health agencies, health care coalitions and academic institutions identified ways to break down data silos that often hinder timely decision-making during disasters and crises. The proposed framework would connect people, data platforms and processes across Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and the region’s Tribal nations to support more effective sharing and use of critical health information.
Central to the recommendations is building trust among partners through strong data governance practices that respect both Tribal data sovereignty and broader data-sharing needs. The report also highlights the need to reduce technical, legal and staffing barriers that limit data integration and collaboration across jurisdictions.