CDC Announces Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics
The center will collect and analyze data to help inform decisions.
- By Alex Saurman
- Apr 20, 2022
Yesterday, the CDC announced the launch of a new forecasting center for public health threats.
According to a press release, the Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA) will provide data to CDC partners to help make timely decisions on outbreaks and health threats. CFA also plans on providing data to the general public to help people make educated decisions, similar to the National Weather Service.
Before its launch, CFA worked with partners to collect data and provided models for the omicron variant in December 2021. According to CFA’s website, it also notified CDC partners of omicron trends, giving “leaders several weeks of advanced notice of the timing and magnitude of the surge, allowing key planning activities.”
“I am excited we have launched CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics,” said CDC Director, Rochelle P. Walensky, MD, MPH in the press release. “This new center is an example of how we are modernizing the ways we prepare for and respond to public health threats. I am proud of the work that has come out of this group thus far and eager to see continued innovation in the use of data, modeling, and analytics to improve outbreak responses.”
Initial funding for CFA is from the American Rescue Plan Act for $200 million. The CDC began planning CFA in August 2021.
About the Author
Alex Saurman is a former Content Editor for Occupational Health & Safety,who has since joined OH&S’s client services team. She continues to work closely with OH&S’s editorial team and contributes to the magazine.