VIDEO | State of Oregon CDO: Ethical Use and Data Equity Are Critical to Our Data Strategy

(US and Canada) Kathryn Darnall Helms, Chief Data Officer, State of Oregon, speaks with Denise Collison, SHI International Corp. SVP of Public Sector Sales, in a video interview about creating the advisory council, interagency collaboration, ethical use of data, and equity.

Darnall Helms began creating the advisory council by building relationships with stakeholders across state agencies. Since the agencies varied in size and maturity level, representation from all areas was necessary, she notes. It eventually led to a strong cohort of professionals who collaborated and helped Helms set the priorities for the next two years.

Continuing, she highlights two examples of leveraging integrated data:

• A statewide longitudinal data system was launched in 2018 to leverage interagency collaboration for integrated data.
• A research project focused on creating an education pathway to have more qualified nurses entering the professional field after the pandemic.

The state's data strategy incorporates ethics, equity, and inclusion, Darnall Helms explains, and ethical use and data equity are vital components. Data ethics, community voice, appropriate language, and data bias are all incorporated into equity reviews. She stresses that systemic bias within data must be addressed to leverage data effectively. As part of efforts to build community engagement strategies, the state is also participating in an equity and practice learning community.

Regarding the state’s approach to cultivating data literacy and leaders, Darnall Helms says that Oregon has been building a data-informed culture for a while and is establishing a statewide data literacy framework. The idea is to create a more persona-based literacy framework for the state to upskill staff, allowing them to cultivate skill sets and move forward.

Concluding, Darnall Helms adds that the state also has a large number of data-focused employees who have deep knowledge of their specific service areas. The aim is also to ensure their needs and growth are represented and respected.

CDO Magazine appreciates Kathryn Darnall Helms for sharing her insights and data success stories with our global community.

See more from Kathryn Darnall Helms

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