At the MIDAS Coordination Center, we are aware that many members of the MIDAS community are interested in building stronger ties with public health officials interested in their work. To help facilitate these connections, we will be creating a public health interest group. We envision this group as a venue for academic modelers to meet with interested folks working in public health to exchange ideas, create collaborations, and build understanding. The Coordination Center will help with scheduling and other logistic support, but the content and direction of the group will be determined by its members.