In the early days of March, CSTE’s leadership and several Board Members set out for Washington, D.C. for our annual Capitol Hill Day. Being back on the Hill in person for the first time since 2019 was exciting and presented an important opportunity to advocate for a future in which CSTE members and all public health officials have the resources needed to respond swiftly and effectively to public health threats.

Amidst the usual hustle and bustle of policymakers, CSTE’s delegation brought a unique element to the table: real stories from the trenches of public health. These accounts represented the profound impact that federal public health funding has on efforts at the state level—in our legislators’ communities. The experiences shared by epidemiologists highlighted their daily endeavors to combat diseases and protect public health. The annual Hill Day also provided an opportunity for CSTE to showcase amazing jurisdictional work on data and epidemiology, Stories from the Field, which has proven to be a great resource for Congressional staffers and leaders.

Central to the discussions was the need to appropriate at least $340 million annually for Public Health Data Modernization. CSTE emphasized the importance of a robust public health data infrastructure. The ask was clear:  continued and increased investment to ensure that our systems can keep pace with rapid advancements in technology and having the trained staff to use and manage the technology to ensure it effectively supports the science and work of applied epidemiologists whose central mission is to collect data to drive public health actions and ultimately save lives. CSTE highlighted how such funding would not only streamline processes but also enhance the nation’s ability to rapidly identify health threats, conduct rapid case investigations and halt the spread of illnesses.

Another key focus was the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program (ELC). CSTE leaders asked Congress to appropriate at least $120 million for ELC, to support this crucial program, which stands as a pillar of the CDC’s efforts to monitor and protect public health. They underscored the fact that the ELC program’s support for nimble response ready epidemiologists makes it a swift and effective mechanism for new and emerging threats—a necessity in the unpredictable landscape of public health.

Reflecting on Hill Day, the message to Congress was clear: funding for Public Health Data Modernization and the ELC program must be strong and sustained. The nation’s health and safety depend on these investments. CSTE’s advocacy efforts marked a significant step towards securing a future where public health funding is not merely sufficient but exceptional, equipping epidemiologists and other public health professionals with the necessary tools and resources to safeguard the nation’s health.

Victoria Barahona is a policy associate at CRD Associates, LLC, which represents CSTE’s interests on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.>