This discussion focuses on how the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the serious and pervasive data gaps facing marginalized groups and what cross-cutting themes the panels found in their work. The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's National Commission to Transform Public Health Data Systems was informed by the work of expert panels on population-specific data gaps (American Indians/Alaska Natives, Blacks/African Americans, LGBTQ+ communities, people living with disabilities, and women).
The chairs of three of these panels (Blacks/African Americans, people living with disabilities, and women) will share insights, recommendations/best practices on approaches to advance data systems and data equity. The discussion reviews the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the groups they represent and what is needed to improve data collection to pave the way for a healthy and more equitable future for all.
Each panel consisted of individuals who brought expertise to the issues based on their work and training and their own lived experience. Having the expertise and voices from those communities was critical in shaping recommended strategies and approaches to advance data systems and data equity. (website abstract)