Data moderization

Welcome to Data Modernization (DM) in Utah

Our vision is simple: We ensure the right people have the right information at the right time to protect lives and livelihoods

. Data modernization is more than just a tech upgrade; it is a systemic shift toward timely, actionable data

. By coordinating priorities across Utah’s decentralized public health system—including 13 local health departments and 8 federally recognized tribes—we are building a future-ready infrastructure that paves the way for a healthier Utah

.

2026 Roadmap

DMI Strategic plan

DMI Council charter

Data modernization committee meeting calendar

Stay up to date with our progress. Our teams maintain a rigorous schedule to ensure continuous improvement:

DMI Tiers

We utilize an enterprise-level governance structure to ensure that every project is feasible, funded, and impactful. Our progress is guided by three distinct tiers:

DMI Council Charter

Ensure alignment with Governor’s office, DHHS, local health department, and tribal public health authorities’ goals and agency priorities
Awareness/approval for general DMI direction and specific business cases/projects proposed by leadership and working tiers
Advocate for DMI at all levels of the public health system in Utah (examples—at a high level, advocate for DMI within agency priorities; make sure DMI-related approvals are addressed in a timely manner; promote and support systemic DMI improvement implementation)

Project charters

Every project we prioritize must build core infrastructure, be sustainable, and focus on system-wide transformation rather than simple maintenance

.

Data Modernization Director Receives Governor’s Award for Innovation

Nicole Yerkes earned the 2025 Governor’s Award for Excellence for revolutionizing Utah’s public health data sharing. By consolidating systems and streamlining agreements, Nicole has empowered local leaders with faster, more reliable data to protect Utah communities.

How Utah is using PHIG funding to modernize its public health data system

In a featured episode of the Public Health Review Morning Edition podcast, Nicole Yerkes discusses how Utah is leveraging Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) funding to build a unified, future-ready data system.

Improving Public Health by Modernizing Data Exchange

In a episode of the Public Health Review podcast, Rachelle Boulton shares Utah DHHS's perspective on the importance of data modernization initatives for a more efficient and effective public health system.

Building the Foundation for Public Health Data Modernization

Featured in the Autumn 2025 issue of the Association of Public Health Laboratories Lab Matters magazine, the article "AIMS: Keeping Pace with a Changing Digital Health Ecosystem" highlights how the APHL Informatics Messaging Platform (AIMS) serves as a secure, cloud-based hub that accelerates data modernization and enables real-time public health data exchange across federal, state, and local entities.

Partnering for One Public Health

On the PHII website, Utah DHHS was highlighted for its collaborative efforts and promising practices. By utilizing a shared disease surveillance system (EpiTrax) and establishing collaborative governance forums like the DMI Council, Utah has built powerful, equitable data-sharing partnerships across state, local, and tribal public health agencies to put people first and improve health outcomes.

Utah’s Streamlined Data Sharing Featured as National Success Story

Nicole Yerkes was highlighted by the National Network of Public Health Institutes (NNPHI) for her work in revolutionizing how Utah handles data-sharing agreements.

Utah’s open-source surveillance system paves the way for data modernization

DHHS's Epitrax was featured on the PHII website. By transitioning to Epitrax, a custom-governed, open-source disease surveillance system, Utah automated 96% of incoming data messages and dramatically improved real-time, statewide public health data sharing.

Katie Zimmerman Receives National Data Systems Change Leadership Award

Former DMI Coordinator Katie Zimmerman has been honored with the individual "Data Systems Change Leadership Award" by the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors (NACDD). This prestigious award recognizes Katie’s exceptional work with the chronic disease action incubator, where she led efforts to modernize data systems to better track and address chronic health conditions.

Counsel, Collaboration, and Community: A Systemic Approach to Public Health Data Modernization in Utah

In CSTE's Stories from the Field, Utah DHHS was featured by conducting 18 inclusive focus groups across state, local, and tribal public health agencies—and leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze the feedback—Utah has broken down traditional silos to build a comprehensive, community-driven Data Modernization Strategic Plan.

Meet the team

Nicole Yerkes

[email protected]

As the Data Modernization Director since 2024, Nicole leads the State of Utah’s public health data system transformation. She oversees the Utah Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) Strategic Plan and directs the DMI Council, facilitating alignment across state executives, local health departments, tribal partners, and health information exchanges. She also manages the A3–Data Modernization budget and workplan for the federal Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) and represents Utah in national DMI leadership forums.

Contact Nicole about: Utah DMI Strategic Plan, 5-10 year implementation roadmap and priority projects; DMI Council governance, operations, and cross-sector collaborations; Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) A3–Data Modernization funding and workplans, system-wide data modernization assessments and national DMI representation

Chloe Lim

[email protected]

As the Data Modernization Coordinator since 2025, Chloe applies her expertise in healthcare and informatics to advance DHHS’s data infrastructure. She manages timelines and alignment across Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) Strategic Plan, projects, representation, and co-chairs the agency-wide AI Community of Practice.

Contact Chloe about: Data access and cataloging; Data Modernization Initiative (DMI) project updates, scope, or collaborations; participating in agency AI discussions and the AI Community of Practice.

Facilitations guide

Learn More

Summary of Listening and Learning sessions