Public health transformation cannot happen in isolation; innovation, collaboration, and shared learning are essential to drive the changes we need to meet current and future public health needs.
The 21st Century Learning Community (21C) is a group of states focused on intentional state-wide public health system transformation.
In this context, state members include representatives from state health departments, local health departments, state associations of county and city health officials, academic partnerships, partner organizations, and/or local leaders in public health transformation.
21C is rebuilding trust in public health by ensuring excellence and scaling innovative practices. Members shared how they are seizing the opportunity created by the COVID-19 pandemic and unprecedented infrastructure funding to advance their transformation efforts.
Explore the States
Modernization of our public health system has been a need for decades, and that need has now become an imperative. PHNCI is providing a forum for states to collaborate. Bringing together entities that are structured and funded differently sparks conversation and innovation.”
– KRISTA WASOWSKI, HEALTH COMMISSIONER, MEDINA COUNTY, OH
Overview
21C states are at the forefront of envisioning what transformed public health systems in the United States look like and are leaders in developing an understanding of a state’s approach to transformation, conducting capacity and cost assessments, making the case for sustainable funding for core public health, advancing equity, and exploring various models for workforce and service sharing. They are using various state approaches — such as the Foundational Public Health Services (FPHS), PHAB accreditation, Public Health 3.0, and more — to strengthen infrastructure, improve performance, and rebuild trust in and accountability to their communities.
PHAB supports 21C states by:
