Newsom launches PHNIX to modernize California public health
Former CDC officials will consult on a California-led health initiative
Updated: 4:08 PM PST Dec 15, 2025
A new California-led public health initiative was announced today, aimed at modernizing infrastructure and maintaining trust in science-backed decision-making. Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the program called the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX). The initiative is intended to strengthen public health innovation, collaboration, and communication, and to help fill gaps left by shifting federal public health policy.Former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Dr. Susan Monarez will consult on the initiative. Former CDC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Debra Houry and Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, founder and CEO of Your Local Epidemiologist, will also serve as consultants. Jetelina will advise the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on strengthening public confidence in public health institutions. CDPH is also partnering with Jetelina on “Project Stethoscope,” a program aimed at improving how health agencies communicate with communities by using social media monitoring, community input, and targeted research to better understand Californians’ health questions and concerns.According to the governor’s office, PHNIX will focus on improving information infrastructure, advancing technology such as artificial intelligence and data integration, and developing sustainable funding frameworks for public health preparedness and response.PHNIX is the latest addition to the state’s public health partnerships, which include the West Coast Health Alliance and the Governors Public Health Alliance.See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
, Calif. —
A new California-led public health initiative was announced today, aimed at modernizing infrastructure and maintaining trust in science-backed decision-making.
Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the program called the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange (PHNIX). The initiative is intended to strengthen public health innovation, collaboration, and communication, and to help fill gaps left by shifting federal public health policy.
Jetelina will advise the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on strengthening public confidence in public health institutions.
CDPH is also partnering with Jetelina on “Project Stethoscope,” a program aimed at improving how health agencies communicate with communities by using social media monitoring, community input, and targeted research to better understand Californians’ health questions and concerns.
According to the governor’s office, PHNIX will focus on improving information infrastructure, advancing technology such as artificial intelligence and data integration, and developing sustainable funding frameworks for public health preparedness and response.
PHNIX is the latest addition to the state’s public health partnerships, which include the West Coast Health Alliance and the Governors Public Health Alliance.
See more coverage of top Central Coast stories | Download our app / Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel