Background
EPHT is the ongoing collection, integration, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of data from environmental hazard monitoring, and from human exposure and health effects surveillance. As part of Program efforts, CDC is currently leading the initiative to build a National EPHT Network.
The Network will integrate data from these three components into a network of standardized electronic data that will provide valid scientific information on environmental exposures and adverse health conditions as well as the possible spatial and temporal relations between them.
Developing a sustainable standards-based national network is an iterative process that will enable direct electronic data reporting and linkage within and across health effects, exposure, and hazard data and will interoperate with other environmental public health systems.
EPHT Network Vision Document
This document provides a vision for the Environmental Public Health Tracking (EPHT) Network. The document is designed to: 1) describe, at a conceptual level, the function and purpose of the EPHT Network, 2) provide a profile of the stakeholders and users of the Network, and 3) outline the major features of the EPHT Network.
View the EPHT Network Vision Document.
EPHT National Network Implementation Plan
This document [PDF 1.3 Mb], CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking
Program: National Network Implementation Plan (NNIP), outlines the path
that the Tracking Program is taking to develop and implement the
Tracking Network over the next 5 years. The plan supports achieving
success in both immediate and long-term time frames while providing
direction and guidance to the many stakeholders who contribute to the
Tracking Network’s ongoing development as well as the overall program’s
implementation. The NNIP gives insight into the topics and approaches
that lead to improved network performance, sustainability, quality, and
focus. The NNIP outlines CDC’s strategy for developing and implementing
the Tracking Network by clarifying functions and components and
describing approaches to developing the components. Specifically, the
NNIP
- describes the background, context, needs, and goals of the Tracking Network;
- outlines the principal functions and components of the Tracking Network;
- discusses the steps needed to implement the components; and
- identifies the entities responsible for taking the implementation steps.
Public Health Information Network (PHIN)
PHIN targets the support and integration of systems for disease surveillance, national health status indicators, data analysis, public health decision support, information resources and knowledge management, alerting and communications and the management of public health response. The major thrust of PHIN is to connect the many organizations and functions of public health to create a reliable, information network capable of supporting the current and emerging needs of public health. This network of capable information systems will be built from existing initiatives and software systems that are supportive of the PHIN Functional Areas. These PHIN component initiatives are considered national in scope and support better public health practice through integrated systems. The EPHT Network is one of these components.
For further information, visit http://www.cdc.gov/phin/component-initiatives/index.html.
GeoPrimer: EPHT (Version 1.0)
Geographic data is critical to environmental public health tracking for identifying hazards, monitoring distribution, and analyzing trends. The GeoPrimer provides an introduction of concepts surrounding the usage of geographic data to public health professionals involved in implementing the Environmental Public Health Tracking Network. This document offers an overview of key terminology and the process of utilizing this type of data.
View the GeoPrimer: EPHT Document.
Technical Network Implementation Plan
The Technical Network Implementation Plan (TNIP) is the road map used by technical and scientific staff in the Tracking Program to guide the development of the Tracking Network. The TNIP is a living document and will be updated periodically as experience is gained and as the components of the Network are refined and implemented.
View [PDF 2.1 Mb] the Technical Network Implementation Plan
Timeline: Technical Network Implementation Plan
This timeline outlines the major activities and milestones in the Technical Network Implementation Plan (TNIP). The timeline is a living document and will be updated periodically as experience is gained and as the components of the Network are refined and implemented
View [PDF 1.2 Mb] the Timeline: Technical Network Implementation Plan
