Leveraging Information Technology for Public Health Impact

Since its establishment in 1946, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has remained at the forefront of public health practice while its mission has expanded from the control of infectious diseases to include control and prevention of chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats. Information technology (IT) and a well-trained workforce are vital for achieving CDC’s public health mission. Since CDC’s first mainframe computer in 1964, CDC has been a leading IT adopter and currently invests $400 million per year, including $100 million in grants to states, in information systems and technologies supporting a wide range of public health functions. The Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) provides various services, governance, and oversight of CDC’s IT investments and use of IT to improve public health and administration of the agency.