LEONARDTOWN, MD – In a significant step for local public health representation on the national stage, St. Mary's County Health Department (SMCHD) announced on February 28, 2024, that Lisa Nelson, the department's Director of Clinical Services and Nursing Director, has been selected to participate in the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) Informatics Champions Initiative (ICI) Group.
This prestigious appointment places Nelson among a select group of public health professionals tasked with advancing the field of public health informatics. The ICI Group is at the forefront of discussions on data modernization and the Technical Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), providing crucial local insights into federal-level conversations.
Nelson was enthusiastic about the appointment, stating, "I am honored to be selected to join NACCHO's Informatics Champions group. I look forward to learning more about data modernization initiatives and working to provide a local perspective to public health informatics." Her role involves exchanging learning about informatics-related initiatives and contributing to the national discourse on public health data modernization.
Dr. Meena Brewster, St. Mary's County Health Officer, praised Nelson's selection, highlighting her valuable combination of clinical expertise and leadership experience. "With her clinical knowledge as a nurse and her frontline leadership experience in local public health, Lisa Nelson will be exceptionally valuable to NACCHO's work towards modernizing public health data and informatics," Brewster said. She emphasized the importance of including local perspectives, particularly from rural areas like St. Mary's County, in national efforts to evolve public health data practices.
Nelson's involvement in the ICI Group is expected to bridge the gap between local public health challenges and national efforts to modernize public health informatics infrastructure. This role not only elevates the representation of St. Mary's County in national public health dialogues but also underscores the critical importance of integrating local experiences and insights into developing national public health strategies.
The selection of a St. Mary's County official for such a significant national initiative underscores the county's commitment to advancing public health practices and its active role in shaping the future of public health informatics in the United States. As the field of public health continues to evolve, particularly in the digital and data-driven arenas, contributions from experienced professionals like Nelson are invaluable in ensuring that public health systems are responsive to the needs of communities across the country.
Nelson's participation in the ICI Group is a testament to the quality of leadership and innovation within the SMCHD. It highlights the department's ongoing efforts to contribute to meaningful advancements in public health informatics. For more information on the programs and services offered by the St. Mary's County Health Department, visit smchd.org.
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