The Data for Health initiative explores how data can be collected, shared, protected, and translated in ways that are useful to individuals, organizations and communities.
A wealth of data is collected about us every day—from electronic health records to personal apps and devices. Secure, protected access to this wealth of information has the potential to help individuals, health care providers, and communities make smarter, faster decisions that improve the health of the public and promote healthy lifestyles.
Recognizing this vast opportunity to use data to improve health, RWJF charged an Advisory Committee of experts to investigate how individuals and communities are already using data to improve health. The Advisory Committee hosted a series of “Learning What Works” events in five cities across the country and online, where community leaders shared their hopes, concerns, and ideas for using health information.
Building upon what they heard from communities during these “listening sessions,” this report outlines their findings and recommendations for how to help communities and U.S. health leaders better harness data to help build a Culture of Health.