Overview
The CAB is an essential link to the people behind the data in the Public Health Data Warehouse. It ensures that the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is listening to the communities we serve. The CAB meets every other month. The CAB guides DPH in what data to include and which questions to answer.
Vision
To build and cultivate sustainable and responsible government-community-academic partnerships.
Mission
To create meaningful partnerships between community members, public health practitioners, and academic researchers by guiding the ethical use of data and holding the Public Health Data Warehouse accountable to producing relevant analyses that are translatable to community partners, and the general public.
Commitment and Expectations
- Members meet virtually or in person for 90 minutes every other month.
- Members are asked to review material ahead of the meeting.
- The total time commitment is less than 4 hours each month.
- Members provide input for decision making. They give feedback on topics to pursue.
- They discuss the best ways to get information to the communities.
Each year, CAB members decide if they would like to continue as a CAB member. To continue, CAB members must attend and take part in meetings. They also must be responsive to review requests.
Attributes of CAB Members
- Enjoy discussion
- Feel comfortable providing feedback on public health topics
- Have a general knowledge of cultural norms in their community
- Have knowledge of the key issues affecting their community
- Have lived experience or work/volunteer experience related to priority health topics
- Are comfortable reviewing analytic findings or have a willingness to learn
How to Apply
Every year we accept applications for new CAB members. To be notified when the application opens, please fill out this Community Advisory Board interest form.
History of the CAB
The Public Health Data Warehouse CAB first met in February 2024. It is managed by DPH’s Office of Health Data, Strategy, & Innovation (OHDSI). The CAB allows community members to offer candid feedback to OHDSI. The CAB advises about the data we collect and how we are using it to advance public health. The CAB helps guide and inform our public health data work, funding, and programs.
DPH is committed to including community voices in the work of the Public Health Data Warehouse. There is a special focus on including individuals who are:
- Black, Indigenous, and People of Color
- Living with disabilities
- Experiencing homelessness
- Living with mental illness
- Living with substance use disorders
- Are or were incarcerated
- Pregnant or post-partum
- Living in rural settings
- Veterans