The Austin Public Health Commission is gearing up to tackle significant public health questions through potential collaborations with local universities. During a recent meeting, members discussed the need for in-depth research on pressing issues, including workforce challenges in public health and funding comparisons with other regions.

Commission members emphasized that these inquiries require substantial time and resources, likening the effort to semester-long projects or even PhD-level research. They proposed leveraging student interns from the University of Texas or Austin Community College to assist in gathering and analyzing data. This approach aims to provide students with valuable experience while addressing critical public health questions.

The commission highlighted the importance of navigating data use agreements and confidentiality, particularly concerning sensitive health information. They expressed a willingness to coordinate with the department to ensure compliance with regulations like HIPAA.

As the meeting concluded, members felt optimistic about launching new projects and moving forward with ideas discussed in previous conversations. The commission is poised to take actionable steps that could significantly impact public health initiatives in Austin and beyond.