Designing a New School of Public Health Technology

Inspired by an op-ed written by national health expert Dr. Susan Blumenthal, the Public Health Technology Innovation Initiative is a new entity at Arizona State University. The initiative was co-chaired by Dr. Blumenthal and Sir Malcolm Grant. 

A July summit on Public Health Technology was held at the New America offices in Washington, D.C. The meeting included case study presentations along with small- and large-group discussions about the underlying conditions and root causes of challenges in the public health system and ways that technology might contribute to solutions for strengthening public health infrastructure now and in the years ahead. Participants discussed opportunities and strategies for developing a new field, its key components, and factors for success as the field emerges.

UDI used their Design+Build methodology to create a blueprint for Public Health Technology. Beginning with a prototype design team, multiple stakeholders and key experts collaborated and tested new ideas in design studios. The core areas of focus were education, research, entrepreneurship and innovation. The curriculum offerings leveraged a modular approach to provide learning solutions among diverse student populations. Research efforts focused on secure and equitable technology to address public health threats in real time, empowering communities to use their health data for decision making. This resulted in the final blueprint for a new school of Public Health Technology.