Wednesday, November 13 | EHR Solutions and Operations, Human Services, Partnerships and Collaboration

4 Ways a Strategic Collaboration Helps Maximize Public Health Funding

By Sarah Bush, Senior Client Alignment Executive, Public Health

In recent years, public health infrastructure has faced significant challenges, increasing the need for enhanced data systems and reporting mechanisms. Fortunately, there’s good news: large amounts of funding are being allocated to support data modernization efforts across the country.

From the Office of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to specific state-level funding initiatives, public health organizations have an unprecedented number of opportunities to update and upgrade their processes, systems and infrastructure. However, the complexity of securing and using this funding is often underestimated. That’s where working with a trusted advisor and vendor becomes crucial.

Here are four reasons why public health organizations should work with a trusted advisor and vendor to access the data modernization funding:

1. Navigating Complex Funding Regulations

Grants like the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity (ELC) and the Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) come with restrictions on how the funds can be used. For example, while states have received ELC funding to increase lab reporting, not all counties benefit equally.

While ELC (Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity) funding is crucial for public health initiatives, there are some challenges associated with it.

Complex Distribution Process: The process of distributing ELC funds from state to local health departments can be complex and unclear, leading to delays and inefficiencies.

Sustainability Issueability: Complications once the initial funding period ends.

Data Infrastructure Challenges: Many local health departments struggle with outdated data systems, and while ELC funding can help, the transition to modernized systems can be slow and resource intensive.

Awareness and Accessibility impact of the funding.

Sustainability Concerns: Much of the funding, especially that provided during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic, is temporary. This can lead to sustainability issues once the funding period ends, potentially resulting in staff layoffs and program discontinuation12.

Limited Incremental Funding: Although the overall funding for data modernization is substantial, it is distributed among many agencies. Maintaining partnerships with vendors that actively track funding cycles and proactively assist with applying for niche investment may increase the chances of securing additional funding.

Typically, there are strict deadlines for the procurement of and investment of funding. Netsmart works as the vendor to meet set deadlines on behalf of clients through our various implementations and solution suites.

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2. Maximizing Available Resources

Public health grants, such as the Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) or DMI funding, are essential to updating and upgrading data systems. However, many organizations fail to fully utilize the funds they’ve been awarded because they simply don’t know how. In some cases, organizations lose their funding by failing to spend it in time or on the right initiatives.

Working with an advocate like Netsmart can solve this issue by identifying how to best allocate grant money toward needed improvements, such as electronic health record (EHR) updates, population health, augmented intelligence solutions or other technology enhancements. Vendors need to be familiar with grant timelines and spending constraints, to be able to help adjust designations to keep your funding stream flowing, ensuring you maximize every dollar.

3. Thorough Procurement Processes

The procurement process for public health funding can often feel like a maze of red tape. Requirements for Requests for Proposals (RFPs) can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, slowing down your data modernization efforts. Thankfully, with the right partnerships in place this doesn’t need to be the case. Using already procured vehicles with vendors such as Carahsoft, SHI, AWS Marketplace and others allows for faster and more direct conversations, scoping, and negotiations.

By partnering with a vendor experienced in alternative procurement vehicles, your organization can avoid lengthy RFP processes, engage with qualified vendors more quickly and implement solutions without unnecessary delays. In an environment where public health challenges evolve rapidly, every saved moment counts.

4. Ensuring Long-Term Efficiency

Data modernization isn’t just about updating and upgrading your systems; it’s about sustaining those improvements. Funding paths like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding may run out soon, and future funding rounds—like those outlined in the CDC’s 2024 budget request—could shift based on political changes. Working with a vendor can help ensure your organization’s systems are future-proofed, compliant and optimized for long-term efficiency by maximizing time and effort to secure funding before it’s too late.

Whether it’s advising on how to strategically use available grant funding or ensuring compliance with future public health funding rounds, having a reliable ally, like Netsmart, ensures that your modernization initiatives are sustainable over time.

Public health funding presents a fantastic opportunity for public health organizations to modernize their data systems and improve their ability to serve patients. However, the intricacies of funding regulations, procurement processes and efficient resource use make working with an experienced vendor essential. Netsmart can help guide public health organizations through the complexities of securing and using public health funds, ensuring they not only access the money but use it effectively to achieve lasting, impactful change.