WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a sweeping overhaul of its open data strategy, marked by the release of a dynamic “Living HHS Open Data Plan” and a significant upgrade to HealthData.gov. The move underscores the Department’s growing focus on public transparency, data-driven governance, and cutting-edge innovation in healthcare policy and delivery.
According to HHS, the number of publicly available datasets on HealthData.gov has more than tripled since January 2025—rising from roughly 3,000 to over 10,000—under the Trump Administration’s renewed emphasis on data accessibility and evidence-based policymaking. The updated portal, part of a broader push for “radical transparency,” offers improved data quality and usability, with the addition of three key tools: the HHS Open Data Plan (Version 1.0), the HHS Metadata Standard, and the HHS Data Inventory.
“This is a transformative moment for federal data transparency,” said HHS Deputy Secretary Jim O’Neill, who oversees the agency’s technology and innovation efforts. “Using data, AI, and regulatory reform, HHS will increase public transparency and leverage information to Make America Healthy Again.”
The initiative is led by Dr. Kristen Honey, HHS Chief Data Officer (CDO), and is designed to align with the OPEN Government Data Act and the broader Evidence Act, both of which guide federal agencies in making government data more accessible, standardized, and actionable. “HHS Open Data is not just about numbers; it’s about empowering people, fostering trust, and driving real-world impact,” said Honey.
The Living HHS Open Data Plan, hosted on GitHub, departs from traditional static documents by embracing a modular, continuously updated approach. Co-developed with input from all HHS Operating and Staff Divisions, the plan lays out shared principles such as transparency, optimization, and integrity while fostering an “open by default” culture across the Department.
Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., who has publicly championed transparency as a core mission of the Department, has directed HHS to take a leading role in the federal open data ecosystem. The Department is actively collaborating through the Federal CDO Council and interagency partnerships to further that goal.
The expanded data resources are intended to benefit a wide range of stakeholders, from academic researchers and public health officials to technology developers and citizen analysts. The machine-readable datasets are designed to fuel advancements in scientific research, increase operational efficiency, and support emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Beyond enhancing access, the plan places a strong emphasis on privacy and ethical data stewardship. HHS manages vast volumes of sensitive information, including health records and clinical data, and has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting personal privacy while maximizing the public value of its data assets.
The Open Data strategy includes several high-impact objectives:
- Reducing Data Silos: By unifying fragmented systems, HHS aims to eliminate redundancies and promote cross-divisional collaboration.
- Accelerating Scientific Discovery: Real-world data will be leveraged to inform evidence-based research and timely policy interventions.
- Maximizing Public Value: The Department is pledging to ensure that every taxpayer dollar spent on data collection delivers measurable societal benefit.
- Encouraging Public Participation: Citizens are invited to contribute feedback and help shape the evolution of the Living Open Data Plan.
- Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Open data will serve as a foundation for collaborative solutions across industries and sectors.
The CDO’s office is expected to publish the first update to the Living HHS Open Data Plan within four months. In doing so, the Department seeks to institutionalize a culture of continuous improvement, transparency, and responsiveness—hallmarks of an open government committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for the American people.
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