Public health data modernization is challenging in any environment. For U.S. territories and freely associated states, geographic isolation, infrastructure limitations, workforce shortages, and cybersecurity threats can make that challenge significantly more complex.
In a new article published by the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO), Luigi Leblanc of Zane Networks explores how island public health leaders are addressing these challenges while building more connected, resilient, and responsive health systems.
Drawing on insights shared by territorial public health leaders at ASTHO’s 2025 Spring Leadership Forum, Luigi highlights three priorities with relevance well beyond island communities: taking an integrated approach to infrastructure modernization, advancing interoperability and data exchange, and investing in cybersecurity as both a technology and governance imperative.
The experiences of these communities demonstrate that successful data modernization isn’t simply about adopting new technology. It requires strategic planning, collaboration, workforce development, and an understanding of how technology can better support the people and communities public health organizations serve.
