Baltimore, MD (July 16, 2009) – Matching the open-government and accountability features of Maryland’s StateStat Web site, The Maryland Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Environment (MDE), working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), have jointly launched a new online network of environmental health data called the Environmental Public Health Tracking Network (EPHTN). The Network provides the public, scientists and policy makers a quick and effective way of searching for environmental and health data nationwide using data provided by a network of state surveillance systems, including Maryland. 

“This is another valuable tool to protect the health and well-being of all families in our One Maryland,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “We’re proud to be among the handful of states to lead the way in gathering and opening up this health and environmental data to everyone. It’s another aspect of putting our families first as we strive to make Maryland greener and healthier every day.”  

“For the first time, members of the public can be active and informed participants,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “Anyone will have access to the same information that policy makers and public health professionals use to better understand the complex relationships between our health and our environment, and rely on that information to make informed decisions.” 

“As we work to protect public health and the environment, the Maryland Department of the Environment is committed to increasing transparency in decision-making and making information available to the public,” said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Shari T. Wilson. “The Maryland Tracking Network launched by DHMH, which provides data about pollution and health, is a big step forward on these two fronts.” 

Maryland is one of 16 states and one city selected as a participant based on its ability to provide unique and valuable contributions to the national tracking effort.  Since 2002 CDC has provided Maryland $4.9 million to develop and implement a state system, which is also linked to the CDC’s National Environmental Public Health Tracking Network.  This national network allows the public to look at state and county-level health data on births, deaths, birth defects, and hospital discharges for asthma and heart attacks.   

“Users can also view information related to air pollutants such as ozone and fine particulates, and drinking water contaminants such as nitrate, arsenic, and disinfection by-products,” said Dr. Clifford Mitchell, who directs the DHMH environmental health coordination program.  “The results can be viewed as maps, tables and charts.  Additional information on each of the topics is available in Special Topics pages.”             

Eventually, the CDC hopes to extend the National Tracking Network to all 50 states, and to expand the amount of accessible health and environmental data.   

To access the Maryland Tracking Network, go to http://eh.dhmh.md.gov/tracking.

The CDC’s Tracking Network can be viewed online at www.cdc.gov/ephtracking