Governor Newsom Unveils PHNIX Initiative Targeting Health Innovation

SACRAMENTO — California Governor Gavin Newsom announced the creation of the Public Health Network Innovation Exchange, known as PHNIX, on December 15. The initiative operates under the California Department of Public Health and functions as a coordination hub rather than a standalone agency. It brings together public health experts to develop and share practical improvements in disease tracking, technology use, funding, and community communication.

Three advisors lead the effort. Dr. Susan Monarez, who served briefly as Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director before her departure earlier in 2025, acts as Strategic Health Technology and Funding Advisor. Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer who resigned shortly after Monarez left, serves as Senior Regional and Global Public Health Medical Advisor. Epidemiologist Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, known for the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist, advises on communication strategies.

In practice, PHNIX concentrates on four main areas. Officials plan to upgrade data systems so health departments can detect outbreaks faster while protecting patient privacy. The initiative will explore tools like artificial intelligence to analyze health trends and support responses. It seeks new funding sources through partnerships with private companies, universities, and other states to reduce reliance on federal grants. Finally, the program aims to improve how health agencies explain risks and recommendations to the public.

Governor Newsom stated: “The Public Health Network Innovation Exchange is expected to bring together the best science, the best tools, and the best minds to advance public health. By bringing on expert scientific leaders to partner in this launch, we’re strengthening collaboration and laying the groundwork for a modern public health infrastructure that will offer trust and stability in scientific data not just across California, but nationally and globally.”

The announcement described PHNIX as a response to recent federal changes, including leadership shifts at the CDC and reductions in certain national programs. Reports note that Monarez and Houry left their CDC roles following conflicts with the Trump administration’s health policies.

Dr. Monarez commented, “I am deeply excited to bring my experience in health technology and innovation to support PHNIX. California has an extraordinary concentration of talent, technology, and investment, and this effort is about putting those strengths to work for the public good—modernizing how public health operates, accelerating innovation, and building a healthier, more resilient future for all Californians.”

Dr. Houry said: “I am excited to bring my experience in regional, national, and global public-health partnerships and programs to support this work. California will advance practical, scalable solutions that strengthen public health within the state and across states—showing how states can modernize data, share capacity, and work together more efficiently, while remaining focused on protecting people and communities.”

Dr. Jetelina remarked, “We’re living in a chaotic health information environment, and too often people are left to sort it out on their own. It’s time to step up and transform systems to put people first, starting with California. This means listening to questions and confusion on the ground, partnering with voices communities already trust, and empowering people with the information they need to make evidence-informed decisions for themselves and their families.”

California Department of Public Health Director Dr. Erica Pan added, “Dramatic and unfounded changes in federal policy, funding, and scientific practice have created uncertainty and instability in public health and health care. I am thrilled to work with these advisors to catalyze our efforts to lead a sustainable future for public health. California is stepping up to coordinate and build the scaffolding we need to navigate this moment.”

PHNIX connects to ongoing state efforts, including the West Coast Health Alliance and partnerships with groups focused on community trust. For Californians, the initiative may, over time, lead to faster detection of health threats, more reliable funding for local programs, and clearer official guidance during emergencies. Immediate effects remain limited as the program begins implementation.