Why Public Health Data Matters to All of Us – and What You Can Do to Protect It

Data is a public good. It drives innovation, informs critical decisions, and levels the playing field by providing access to objective, reliable information. But recent policy changes threaten the integrity and accessibility of publicly funded health data, and as technology professionals, we should be deeply concerned.

A recent executive order has restricted federal health agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), from publishing scientific reports, issuing health advisories, or updating their websites without review by political appointees (AP News). This includes critical outputs like the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which has long been a cornerstone for public health professionals. In addition, attacks on diversity programs at public research centers have the potential to skew data and leave minorities in the dark, further exacerbating inequities in health outcomes and research.

These restrictions don’t just disrupt communication, they undermine the entire framework of public data access and transparency. For those of us working in data and technology, the implications are clear: without unrestricted access to timely, accurate data, innovation stalls, inequities deepen, and decision-making becomes guesswork. In the field of healthcare, this means that lives are put at risk.

Data as the Foundation for Innovation

As a data product manager, I’ve worked with climate data, agricultural analytics, and consumer goods insights. I’ve seen how robust, well-curated datasets can help massive organizations optimize operations, reduce inefficiencies, and drive sustainability efforts.

Public health data is no different; it fuels research, supports healthcare systems, and informs policies that save lives. But now, this critical resource is being politicized, putting the reliability of public data at risk.

Why the Tech Community Should Care

Tech and data professionals understand the power of information. We build systems to ensure data is clean, accessible, and actionable. When the free flow of public data is restricted, it doesn’t just affect government agencies; it impacts the entire data ecosystem, from researchers developing predictive models to businesses making critical operational decisions.

Restricting access to public data also disrupts innovation in emerging technologies. Imagine trying to build AI solutions for public health or environmental protection without reliable, up-to-date datasets. The risks multiply, and the costs of inaction (both financial and human), become unbearable.

What Can Be Done?

Here’s how you can help protect public data whether you're in tech or not:

1. Advocate for transparency: Contact your representatives and push for policies that uphold the integrity and availability of publicly funded data.
2. Support organizations fighting for data access: Groups like the Union of Concerned Scientists and the Open Data Institute are leading efforts to protect the free flow of information.
3. Leverage your platform: As data and technology professionals, we have unique insights into the importance of open data. Share your perspective to raise awareness.

Public data isn’t just a government resource; it’s the foundation for innovation, justice, and progress.