Measuring the impact of a public health data training program.

In spring and fall of 2000, 109 community health professionals participated in "Public Health Data: Our Silent Partner," a training program developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The two-day training was offered four times in different locations in New York State in response to local health departments and community partners identifying a need for data analysis training. Participants completed evaluations during the training, and they were surveyed within a year of completing the training. This article discusses the impact of the training and suggests ways to increase the value of the training.