EHR-HIE Integration: Streamlining Workflows & Reducing Data Overload

Optimizing EHR and HIE Integration

From Data Overload to Streamlined Workflows

In today’s data-driven health care environment, electronic health records (EHRs) and health information exchanges (HIEs) must work seamlessly to provide clinicians with actionable, real-time data while minimizing information overload.

At the 2024 Civitas Annual Conference, health care leaders Marc Rabner, Danny Lee, and Jenn Searls shared how their organizations – Luminis Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Connie (partnering with Yale New Haven Health) respectively– are transforming EHR and HIE integration to enhance provider workflows and improve patient outcomes.

Too Much Tech, Too Little Time

For primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists, the challenge isn’t just data overload—it’s technology overload. Navigating multiple apps, software systems, and portals to access HIE data adds complexity to already burdened workflows.

To solve this, health systems are focusing on in-workflow integrations that streamline access to relevant data directly within the EHR. By reducing the number of user-facing technologies, clinicians can engage with information more efficiently, receiving the right insights at the right time without added noise.

Innovative Approaches to EHR-HIE Integration

As health care systems continue to refine EHR and HIE integration, the focus has shifted toward streamlining provider workflows and ensuring clinicians have timely access to critical patient data. While HIEs provide a vast amount of valuable information, the challenge lies in delivering the right data at the right time, without overwhelming clinicians with excessive alerts or unnecessary complexity.

To address this, leading health systems are implementing advanced integration strategies that seamlessly incorporate HIE data into EHR workflows, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing care coordination. From automated charting and imaging integrations to clinical decision support tools, these innovations are helping provider reduce redundant testing, minimize administrative burden, and improve patient outcomes.

Below are some of the most impactful advancements in EHR-HIE integration, highlighting how organizations like Luminis Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Connie (in partnership with Yale New Haven Health) are transforming the way clinicians interact with health data.

Smarter Charting Integrations

One of the most significant advancements discussed was automated charting integrations, which allow HIE imaging data to be directly pulled into a patient’s EHR chart. This innovation is reducing duplicate tests, improving care coordination, and streamlining clinical workflows.

Image Exchange at the Point of Ordering

Through a novel imaging integration, providers can see if an existing image is available in the HIE before ordering new tests. This not only eliminates unnecessary imaging but also reduces health care costs and administrative burden.

Clinical Decision Support (CDS Hooks) Integration

Connie has been leveraging CDS Hooks to integrate HIE insights into provider workflows, offering real-time decision support without disrupting clinical efficiency.

While this work has just kicked off, outcomes and data will be shared soon.

Streamlining Clinical Workflows to Support Public Health Priorities

By optimizing EHR and HIE integration, health systems such as Luminis Health, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Yale New Haven Health aimed to improve Maryland’s public health efforts around opioid overdose prevention. Since the launch, there have been improvements in:

• Reducing duplicate testing results, saving time and resources
• Enhancing patient experiences by giving care teams access to a more complete and accurate health record
• Minimizing cognitive burden on clinicians by delivering only the most relevant patient data
• Supporting critical public health initiatives—such as Maryland’s Statewide
• Targeted Overdose Prevention (STOP) Act—by embedding real-time HIE alerts directly into provider workflows

Leaders from CRISP and Luminis Health will present at the upcoming NACCHO 360 event, sharing how smart integrations between EHRs and HIEs can power compliance, reduce technology fatigue, and ultimately save lives. This integration model serves as a replicable example of how health IT infrastructure can align provider workflows with pressing public health priorities—without increasing burden on clinical teams.

Striking the Balance Between Data Access and Burden

One of the biggest challenges in HIE and EHR integration is ensuring that providers receive timely, essential information, without overwhelming them with excessive alerts or requiring additional clicks in and out of the EHR.

Connie, for example, has been incorporating image exchange capabilities into its provider workflows while ensuring a seamless experience that minimizes unnecessary disruptions.

The Future of EHR and HIE Integration

As more health systems refine how HIE data integrates into EHRs, the goal remains clear: provide clinicians with the information they need to make informed decisions, while reducing unnecessary complexity.

Moving forward, we can expect to see:

• Clinical decision support tools to optimize HIE data usage in EHRs, which may eventually be driven by AI.
• Further refinement of notification systems to reduce alert fatigue.
• Expansion of imaging exchange capabilities across more health systems.

By leveraging HIE data effectively, health care organizations can enhance patient care, streamline provider workflows, and drive efficiency in care delivery. The innovations discussed at the Civitas Annual Conference 2024 highlight the importance of continuous advancements in EHR and HIE integration, ensuring that data remains an asset, not a burden.

For more conversations on this topic, please consider attending the Civitas 2025 Annual Conference. 

by Communications Team

Member Spotlight: NCQA – Advancing Quality Through Standards, Measurement, and Innovation

This year marks a milestone for the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) - 35 years of advancing health care quality through standards, measurement, transparency, and accountability. As a long-standing Civitas partner in quality improvement, NCQA continues to shape the national conversation around person-centered, equitable, and data-informed care.

Join us as we take a closer look at NCQA’s mission, evolving priorities, and alignment with Civitas’ collective efforts to improve health through collaboration and data sharing.

A Mission Rooted in Accountability and Improvement

NCQA’s mission—to improve the quality of health care through measurement, transparency, and accountability—guides accreditation programs to standards development and much more. Their focus on safe, effective, equitable, and person-centered care has led to national frameworks influencing care delivery, health policy, and data sharing across the U.S.

"NCQA is a nationally respected leader in health care quality and accountability. As members they bring deep expertise in measurement and standards development at a time when our network is increasingly focused on demonstrating impact. They are trailblazers in digital quality measurement and have kept pace with our ever-evolving healthcare landscape. NCQA’s participation in Civitas signifies their commitment to our mission of using data to improve care and their desire to bring partners along through digital transformation resulting in better alignment and outcomes."

Jolie Ritzo, Interim CEO, Civitas Networks for Health

Reflecting on 35 Years of Impact

Over the past three decades, NCQA has pioneered performance measurement through tools like HEDIS^®(the most widely used quality reporting tool in the country), accredited over 1,200 health plans, and shaped the evolution of value-based care. As NCQA commemorates its 35th anniversary, it is also preparing for leadership transition with the upcoming retirement of its founding president, Peggy O’Kane—recognized nationally for her influence on the quality movement.

To learn more about Peggy’s immense impact on the organization and the health care industry, check out:

• Inspiring Women Podcast
• Modern Healthcare’s 2024 Most Influential People
• Quality Talks with Peggy O’Kane

How NCQA is Driving Digital Transformation

A central focus for NCQA is enabling digital quality measurement. Through efforts like the Bulk FHIR API Quality Coalition and the Digital Quality Implementers Community, NCQA is working with health plans, vendors, and partners to accelerate the use of standardized, interoperable data. Digital quality reporting offers opportunities for faster, more accurate insights that reduce administrative burden and improve care coordination.

Learn more about the NCQA Digital Quality Implementers Community.

Supporting Person-Centered and Community-Integrated Models

In recent years, NCQA has expanded its work to better reflect whole-person care, including:

• New HEDIS measures that incorporate social drivers of health
• Accreditation programs for community-based and behavioral health models
• State partnerships to support customized quality frameworks, like Tennessee’s community health worker accreditation

Programs such as the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) accreditation offer flexibility for local organizations while maintaining a strong accountability framework.

Joining and Collaborating with the Civitas Network

NCQA’s longstanding partnership with Civitas Networks for Health – which has been in place since Civitas’ founding in 2021 – reflects a shared commitment to data-driven, standards-based, community-rooted solutions. By engaging with Civitas members, NCQA gains insight into local innovation that can inform national quality standards. These collaborations help ensure that frameworks for measuring care remain aligned with real-world practice, equity goals, and population needs.

“Back in 2021, joining Civitas Networks for Health reflected our commitment to advancing data-driven, community-informed approaches to health care improvement – that is still true today. We see tremendous value in collaborating with likeminded organizations across the country that are putting interoperability, equity, and whole-person care into practice every day. Being part of this network helps us stay grounded in the realities of implementation and better align our quality standards with the needs of local communities.”

Amol Vyas, Vice President, Interoperability, National Committee for Quality Assurance

Looking Ahead: Modernizing for the Future

As health care systems continue to evolve, NCQA is focused on enabling real-world data use, advancing digital standards, and developing quality measures that reflect what matters most to patients and communities. Their strategic vision includes:

• Expanding tools that support integration of clinical and social care
• Strengthening data infrastructure for research, policy, and evaluation
• Supporting innovation at the local level while upholding national consistency

NCQA’s legacy includes establishing trusted frameworks for performance measurement and accountability. Its future is focused on digital transformation, community integration, and equity-informed innovation. As a Civitas member, NCQA contributes valuable expertise to our collective efforts to improve health outcomes and ensure quality care for all.

by Communications Team

Navigating NCQA Data Aggregator Validation: A Guide for Health Information Exchanges

Navigating the landscape of health care data exchange is complex, especially when seeking National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) Data Aggregator Validation (DAV). For Health Information Exchanges (HIEs), this validation is crucial for demonstrating data integrity, reliability, and compliance.

Understanding NCQA Data Aggregator Validation

NCQA provides a nationally recognized standard for validating an organization's ability to collect, aggregate, and standardize healthcare data for quality measurement and reporting, such as Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS). It represents more than 72% of the U.S. population.

Data Aggregator Validation enables HIEs to save payers significant amounts of time and effort conducting their own primary source verification of patient data. For HIEs, achieving this validation can open doors to partnerships with health plans, providers, and other stakeholders who require data quality assurance. The process involves a rigorous assessment of an HIE's data management practices, technical infrastructure, and compliance with NCQA standards.

Major Factors to Consider

Data Quality and Integrity

Data quality is paramount in NCQA Data Aggregator Validation. HIEs must ensure that the data they collect and exchange is accurate, complete, and consistent. Doing so includes implementing robust data validation processes, addressing data gaps, and resolving inconsistencies. Key considerations include:

• Data Standardization: Ensuring data is standardized using industry standards such as HL7 and FHIR.
• Data Validation: Implementing automated and manual processes to validate data accuracy and completeness.
• Data Governance: Establishing clear data governance policies and procedures to maintain data integrity.

Technical Infrastructure

A robust technical infrastructure is essential for successful NCQA Data Aggregator Validation. HIEs must have systems in place to securely collect, store, and exchange healthcare data, including:

• Secure Data Storage: Implementing secure data storage solutions that comply with HIPAA and other regulations.
• Data Exchange Capabilities: Ensuring interoperability with various healthcare systems and the ability to exchange data securely.
• Data Processing and Aggregation: Having the capacity to process and aggregate large volumes of data efficiently.

Compliance and Security

Compliance with regulatory requirements is a critical aspect of NCQA Data Aggregator Validation. HIEs must adhere to HIPAA, state regulations, and NCQA standards. Key considerations include:

• Privacy and Security Policies: Developing and implementing comprehensive privacy and security policies.
• Access Controls: Implementing strict access controls to protect sensitive data.
• Audit Trails: Maintaining detailed audit trails of data access and modifications.

Documentation and Reporting

Thorough documentation is essential throughout the NCQA Data Aggregator Validation process. HIEs must maintain detailed records of their data management practices, technical infrastructure, and compliance activities. This includes:

• Policy and Procedure Documentation: Documenting all data management policies and procedures.
• Technical Documentation: Maintaining detailed documentation of technical systems and processes.
• Reporting Capabilities: Ensuring the ability to generate accurate and timely reports for NCQA audits.

Common "Gotchas" and How to Avoid Them

Underestimating the Complexity

NCQA Data Aggregator Validation is a complex process that requires significant time and resources. Many HIEs underestimate the effort involved, leading to delays and challenges.

To avoid this:

• Plan Ahead: Start planning for validation well in advance and allocate sufficient resources for each step of validation. Given the time commitment associated with the NCQA Data Aggregator Validation cohort cycle, it is best to budget for dedicated resources, especially for functions such as Primary Source Verification (PSV) outreach and coordination. This portion of the work, in particular, requires heavy outbound communication and schedule coordination with data submitters, many of whom already deal with time pressures, competing priorities, and capacity constraints. Having a solid and proactive outreach plan is essential to completing all necessary work and documentation for submissions to the NCQA auditor within the cohort’s prescribed timeline.
• Understand Ingestion Site Responsiveness: When possible, construct ingestion site engagement scores, ranking, and most responsive contacts. Not all ingestion sites are responsive or communicate in a timely manner, and proactively managing the list of sites is essential to sticking to your cohort timeline.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Consider engaging consultants or experts with experience in NCQA Data Aggregator Validation. An HIE can outsource major components such as Project Management, Conformance, and Primary Source Verification to minimize overloading existing employees during the fixed cohort timeline.

Data Mapping Challenges

Mapping data from various sources to standardized formats can be a significant challenge. Inconsistencies and errors in data mapping can lead to data quality issues and validation delays.

To avoid this:

• Invest in Data Mapping Tools: Use robust data mapping tools such as conformance “schematrons” to automate and streamline error reduction workflows prior to the official cohort kick-off.
• Conduct Thorough Testing: Conduct extensive testing of data mapping and transformation processes as early in the project as possible and consider working on improving data quality at the source (data submitters) between cohort cycles.

Inadequate Security Measures

Security vulnerabilities can jeopardize the validation process and expose sensitive data. HIEs must ensure that their security measures are robust and compliant.

To avoid this:

• Conduct Regular Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing.
• Implement Strong Encryption: Use strong encryption for data at rest and in transit.

Documentation Gaps

Incomplete or inaccurate documentation can lead to validation delays and requests for additional information. To avoid this:

• Maintain Detailed Records: Maintain detailed records of all processes and activities as indicated in NCQA’s manual. Central and highly organized storage helps to avoid missing information and aids in making the NCQA Data Aggregator Validation process as repeatable as possible from year to year. Successful record-keeping includes internal processes and protocols needed for VAT, but also for Conformance and Primary Source Verification. For example, as you progress through a cohort, it is best practice to document especially challenging experiences, ingestion sites with high rates of data quality issues, trends pertaining to “failed cases,” and points of delay with specific ingestion sites, and then use insights from that collected information to guide approaches to minimize difficulties before and during the next cohort cycle.
• Review NCQA Data Aggregator Validation Manual Updates: Periodically, NCQA publishes revisions to their official documentation. It is important to check for updates before each cohort that could impact your anticipated or established workflows for program components such as Primary Source Verification.
• Regularly Review Documentation: Regularly review and update internal documentation to ensure accuracy and a more efficient response to major project phases, such as using the Validation Assessment Tool, responding to auditors’ questions, and preparing for subsequent validation cohort cycles.

Communication Challenges

Effective communication with stakeholders and NCQA is crucial throughout the validation process. Miscommunication or delays in responding to requests can cause issues. To avoid this:

• Establish Clear Roles and Responsibilities: Team members could handle a variety of work that either stays within a particular aspect of the project or cuts across domains (i.e., Project Management, Conformance, Primary Source Verification). Define team roles upfront and document communication expectations for each role (with whom they should communicate, through which mechanisms, and how frequently).
• Establish Clear Communication Channels: Establish clear communication channels (email, real-time chat software, etc.) and related procedures (sub-group definitions, stakeholder update methods and frequency, etc.) both internally as well as with external entities that participate in your NCQA Data Aggregator Validation cycle.
• Respond Promptly: Be prepared to respond promptly to requests from stakeholders and NCQA, and be mindful of the NCQA auditor’s time zone and submission deadlines. Their availability can impact turnaround times on questions, which can have a direct impact on deadlines. Some deadlines might also be “implied.” Careful attention should be paid to avoid missing important cut-offs during the cohort cycle.

Conclusion

NCQA Data Aggregator Validation is a significant undertaking for HIEs, but it is essential for demonstrating data quality and credibility for the HIE’s payer partners. By understanding the major factors involved in successful validation, addressing potential "gotchas," and planning thoroughly, HIEs can successfully navigate the validation process and achieve this important recognition. Validation not only verifies the HIE's capabilities but also enhances its reputation and opportunities as a healthcare IT industry leader.

Thank you to our partners at J2 Interactive for sharing this blog with the Civitas community!

by Communications Team

Wyoming 211 2025 Bridging the Gap Conference Recap

Recapping the “Building Stronger Bridges for Healthy Communities” Panel

Written By: Jolie Ritzo, Interim CEO, Civitas Networks for Health

As I attempted to make my way west to Casper, Wyoming, I was reminded of a key element required for delivering whole-person care: empathy.  

I was heading to Wyoming 211’s Bridging the Gap Conference to moderate an opening panel on building stronger bridges for healthy communities. These bridges are built from trust, collaboration, integrated data, and a willingness to co-design solutions with community partners. While stuck at the Dulles Airport in D.C. with thousands of other stranded travelers, I witnessed a woman who spoke little English working to make sense of how she would get to Munich now that her flight was canceled. She pleaded with different gate agents to assist her, and they kept pointing to the small business card United Airlines had handed out with a QR code to get online support for rebooking. The code and site were not working, and she was distraught. After I watched a fourth agent respond without any customer service or care for this woman’s worries, I asked her, “How can I help?” I did not know what I could do, but I knew she needed a human connection, not just a QR code on a scrap of cardstock. With her hand on her head, she said, “I don’t really know.” I then asked if she was connected to the airport wi-fi. In all the chaos, she had forgotten this simple step. She was so distressed that she could not think clearly. We got her connected, and then things (slowly) started to fall into place. I stayed with her for a bit because she needed a partner while she calmed down. 

As I reflected on this experience, it occurred to me how relatable this interaction is to what caregivers face regularly – people who are not operating at their best or thinking clearly, but very much wanting help. As we work to build bridges (solutions) to improve whole-person care, we need to stay rooted in empathy. We need to be willing to walk in another’s shoes and view the problem through their lens.  

Long story short, I ended up flying back home to Portland, Maine, because getting to Denver on time to make it to Casper was no longer an option. I moderated the panel virtually, and though nothing beats being in-person with Civitas members and their partners, we (Ann Clement, Deb Anderson, Jackie Sievers, Joy Doll, and Tracy Carver) had a great discussion.  

Here are some takeaways for consideration: 

• CommUNITY is all about people, inclusivity, togetherness, processes, and inviting different perspectives. 

• Integrated care – linking social, community, and health care services – requires partnership, intentionality, and a commitment to building trust. This does not just happen. Wise soundbites included: 

• • Develop shared agreements, set up community advisories, and commit to co-designing solutions 

• • You cannot just copy, paste, and repeat 

• • Stay curious and keep asking why 

• • There is a difference between well-intentioned and intentionality 

• • Get specific and start small 

• The biggest barrier to this work is not the technology, but sometimes it is 😉. As we talked about this, some great insights emerged: 

• • Don’t be afraid to dream and to ask for what you need 

• • Build from trust to establish data sharing agreements 

• • We need to keep working on social care data standards because good standards make data sharing easier 

• • Neutral entities are key to supporting community partners in selecting their technology solutions 

• What even is “whole-person care”? There are different definitions out there, so we took a moment to explore this. 

• • It is about how we would want to receive care 

• • It is treating not just one issue, but looking more carefully at the root causes of poor health or underlying issues 

• • It is a willingness to accept that 80% of what makes someone well happens outside of a health care setting

• • It is our ability to get data back to people in a way that they can understand and use, so they are empowered to make decisions about their own health 

• • It is breaking down barriers to our complicated and confusing systems to help people navigate care 

I was sad to miss the rest of the event but left this opening session feeling inspired to keep working on the pursuit of whole-person care in partnership with so many dedicated Civitas members, partners, and individuals who share this vision. I hope others will share more takeaways from the event so we can keep learning and pushing for better outcomes. 

by Communications Team

How Findhelp is Transforming Social Care Through Connection, Technology, and Trust

Findhelp, a new 2025 member of Civitas Networks for Health, simplifies the process of connecting individuals to free and reduced-cost social care services. With a powerful mission to connect all people in need and the programs that serve them—with dignity and ease—Findhelp is reshaping how social support systems operate across the United States.

“Civitas’ nonprofit and state-led members play a critical role as neutral convenors in helping communities and local partners implement tools and platforms that will allow for more seamless integration of care coordination. Having Findhelp join the Civitas community as a Strategic Business and Technology member signifies the commitment to the role of neutral convenors and to working in collaborative ways with communities throughout the country to bring about better care and services.”

Jolie Ritzo, Interim CEO, Civitas Networks of Health

A Platform That Powers the Social Safety Net

Findhelp’s software platform is used by health care systems, community organizations, governments, and businesses to manage and coordinate social care. Whether it’s screening, closed-loop referrals, outcomes tracking, or actionable insights, Findhelp is modernizing how individuals access help—bridging crucial gaps between clinical care and social services.

A core strength of the platform is its ability to enhance service delivery through Trusted Networks—curated groups of trained community partners that use Findhelp tools effectively and consistently. With over 100 customers currently engaging with Trusted Networks, this approach brings transparency, coordination, and accountability to the forefront of social care.

Harnessing Data and Standards to Drive Results

Data is central to Findhelp’s strategy.

Their platform equips customers with the insights needed to optimize screening, referral processes, and program investment decisions. As active contributors to the Gravity Project, Findhelp is committed to adopting and advancing national data standards for social determinants of health (SDOH), making it easier for community-based organizations to participate in value-based partnerships.

For example, through built-in code mapping tools, Findhelp enables even small community programs to use SDOH data codes for documenting screenings and submitting invoices—a critical step toward integrated, reimbursable care models.

Community Collaboration and System Navigation

At the heart of Findhelp’s work is a belief in human dignity—and a recognition that navigating social care can be overwhelming. The platform tackles barriers like the information gap, system complexity, and the burden placed on individuals to piece together fragmented services.

Through a proven community engagement model, Findhelp integrates health and human service providers, facilitating collaboration that leads to better outcomes. Their local partnerships and technical assistance help organizations adopt best practices, scale programs, and improve service coordination.

Policy Advocacy and Data Privacy

Findhelp doesn’t just build technology—they advocate for people. The organization works directly with policymakers to champion strong privacy protections for social care data, emphasizing that such information should only be shared with the individual’s explicit consent. They also call for a legal framework that prohibits the sale of social care data, ensuring these sensitive records are treated with the respect and confidentiality they deserve.

Integration at the Core of Findhelp’s Approach

Findhelp prioritizes interoperability, enabling customers and partners to integrate their preferred systems of record—whether they’re using EHRs, care management tools, or community-based intake systems. Their technology suite includes:

• Kiip, a case management system for community and care organizations
• Program Manager, which enables real-time updates of programs within the network
• A growing marketplace of integrated tools and services

Organizations can also claim their program listings on Findhelp.org to receive referrals, update information, and access a free suite of reports.

Findhelp’s Vision for the Future

Findhelp’s vision is bold: to power the American safety net.

Their team is driven by personal experience, a sense of duty, and a deep commitment to making help more accessible and equitable. As they look ahead, they aim to expand their national footprint, support more Trusted Networks, and partner with new organizations that share their mission.

Why Findhelp Joined Civitas

"We are deeply committed to building a better social safety net. Civitas offers us a national platform to collaborate with like-minded health data organizations and community collaboratives who are assisting community partners with implementing solutions that meet their needs. Through networks like Civitas we can advocate for interoperability standards, consumer privacy, and partnerships, and we can elevate our work alongside leaders driving change in public health, health information exchange, care coordination, and value-based care."

Jaffer Traish, Chief Operating Officer, Findhelp

As a Civitas member, Findhelp hopes to foster collaboration, grow strategic partnerships, and support best practices for social care data sharing.

We’re proud to spotlight Findhelp’s work and look forward to building healthier, more connected communities together. Visit their website to learn more.

by Communications Team

Bridging Health Care and Community: Insights from Collaboratives in Action

Creating Meaningful Health Care Partnerships

At our April 2025 Collaboratives in Action event, Civitas Networks for Health members gathered to share real-world examples of health care partnerships. The event showcased how local organizations are stepping into the critical role of neutral conveners, using trust, collaboration, and data to drive meaningful health improvements in their communities. 

Moderated by Civitas leaders, Jolie Ritzo, and Lisa Bari, this public webinar featured three member organization leaders—Dan Cranshaw, Executive Director, KC Health Collaborative, Jennifer Lundblad, President and CEO, Stratis Health, and Kathy Miller, COO, Bronx RHIO—each demonstrating unique but complementary models of partnership-building across clinical and community care settings. 

Examples of Health Care Partnerships from Across Civitas Networks for Health

Progress takes many forms—from small but meaningful conversations in neighborhood centers to the technical lift of building shared data systems. But at its core, it requires an intentional commitment to shared leadership, authentic community engagement, and sustainable infrastructure. 

Each of our speakers highlighted the importance of building trust before building technology.

In Kansas City, for example, KC Health Collaborative’s Dan Cranshaw emphasized the need to walk alongside community-based organizations, not ahead of them, when launching new initiatives like their emerging community care hub. 

In Minnesota, Stratis Health’s Jennifer Lundblad outlined how co-designing solutions with community partners has helped the organization serve rural and underserved populations more effectively.

And in New York, Bronx RHIO’s Kathy Miller illustrated how data-sharing agreements with CBOs are not just possible—they’re practical, scalable, and essential for whole-person care.  

5 Lessons Learned on the Path to Progress in Health Care Partnerships

Across all three presentations, clear guidance emerged: 

1. Trust takes time

Convening partners with different lived experiences and levels of power requires patience and transparency. 

2. Technology is necessary but not sufficient

Tools like shared referral systems or face sheets are most effective when developed in partnership with the communities they’re meant to serve. 

3. Sustainability planning is key

Whether funded through state programs, philanthropic grants, or multi-stakeholder investments, maintaining progress with community and health care partnerships requires a clear value proposition for all parties. 

4. Community-based organizations (CBOs) need support

Community-based organizations bring deep, longstanding relationships and local knowledge to the table. Investment in their infrastructure is essential for long-term impact. 

5. Data is a bridge—not a barrier

One of the most powerful themes of the event was how health information exchange (HIE) and data-sharing infrastructure can be leveraged to bridge gaps between clinical care and community-based support. Whether it’s predictive analytics for housing stability in the Bronx or shared social needs referral systems in Minnesota, Civitas members are advancing the technical and relational frameworks that make data useful—and usable—across sectors. 

Continuing the Health Care Partnerships Momentum

We’re not trying to recreate the wheel—we’re trying to make wheels work better together.”  

Dan Cranshaw

The above sentiment was echoed by each of the speakers, who emphasized the importance of aligning with community values, acting with humility, and moving at the speed of trust. 

This event was a glimpse into the ongoing efforts being led by Civitas members across the country. It also served as a preview of the deeper conversations that will take place this September at our #Civitas2025 Annual Conference in Anaheim, California. 

Missed the live event? You can access the full Collaboratives in Action recording and slides, as well as past Collaboratives in Action programming via our resource library.  
https://vimeo.com/1074465369/4cb9ca81e7

by Communications Team

Listening and Learning: What We Heard from Our First Civitas Member Resources Focus Group

At Civitas Networks for Health, our members are at the heart of everything we do. As part of our 2025 operating plan and ongoing efforts to build a thriving, engaged network, we hosted our first-ever Member Resources Focus Group on March 20.  

The goal? To hear directly from members about what’s working, what’s missing, and how we can better support your work with curated, meaningful resources. 

We’re committed to not just listening—but acting. Based on your feedback, we’re already making changes to improve the Civitas Member Area and our member communications approach.  

And this won’t be a one-time effort. We plan to host focus groups like this a few times each year to ensure your voice continues to shape our evolving member experience. 

Who We Heard From

We’re grateful to the following members who took time to participate in this first conversation: 

• Van Le, PelEx (Full Member) 
• Jenelle Hoseus, Health Impact Ohio (Full Member) 
• Brian Marentay & Anusha Tomar, Zus Health (SB&T Member) 
• Jessica Skopac, Global Alliant (SB&T Member) 
• Ellen Clewett, Chicago Regionwide Community Information Exchange (Full Member) 
• Renee Clark, CareQuest Institute for Oral Health (Affiliate Member) 
• Linda Kluge, Alliant Health Solutions (Full Member) 
• Mona Matthews, MetaStar (Full Member) 
• Jason Popko, Health Roads (SB&T Member) 

Facilitated by Jolie Ritzo, Kelsey Matheson-Daly, and Kate Kroell, the discussion was dynamic, thoughtful, and action-oriented. 

8 Key Themes and Takeaways

Civitas’ first Member Resources Focus Group offered powerful insights into what members find valuable—and what they still need.  

The conversation surfaced both affirmation and opportunities for improvement: members appreciate the support and community Civitas provides, but also want tools, resources, and formats that better align with their real-world demands.  

1) Civitas is a Trusted Amplifier

Members strongly affirmed Civitas’ role as a trusted convener and amplifier of national conversations in health and social care. They appreciate how we elevate member work, share lessons learned, and keep the network informed on national trends, best practices, and policy shifts. That said, many expressed a desire for more accessible, bite-sized resources that go beyond high-level updates and support real-time decision-making. 

What we’re doing: We’ll continue to act as a bridge between local innovation and national awareness, but with an increased focus on making that information usable—think short summaries, quick-read case studies, and issue-specific toolkits. 

2) Members Need More Visibility into Opportunities

Across the board, members asked for more clarity and consistency in how Civitas shares opportunities to engage, be featured, apply for funding, or collaborate with others in the network. 

This includes everything from Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Call for Proposals (CFPs) to speaker invitations, feature opportunities, funding, and open calls for feedback. 

What we’re doing: We’re introducing a section of the Member Area that will have a forward-looking view of all CFPs, RFPs, funding, and more.  

3) Respecting Time, Offering Value

Time and bandwidth are constant challenges for our members. While email and webinars remain preferred formats for communication and learning, members emphasized that content must be short, relevant, and clearly structured to be useful. 

Members expressed appreciation for curated content that makes their lives easier—not longer. 

What we’re doing: 

• Developing short-form digests that deliver high-impact insights in less time

• Implementing clear role-based tagging to ensure members receive content most relevant to them 

• Honoring a 2–3x per week communication cadence to avoid email fatigue 

4) Workgroups: Valuable but Crowded

Workgroups remain one of Civitas’ most appreciated offerings, but members shared that as attendance has grown, some sessions now feel too broad to be actionable. The desire for more tailored engagement came through clearly.  

We’re exploring: 

• Peer matching based on focus areas or goals 

• Breakout rooms during workgroup sessions to facilitate smaller conversations 

• More targeted webinar series on niche topics, technical needs, or member roles 

5) Policy Updates are Critical

Members consistently identified policy digests and briefings as one of the most valuable services Civitas provides. These updates help them make strategic decisions around programming, staffing, and long-term planning. 

“Policy digests are one of the most critical things Civitas provides—it helps us make informed choices about how we serve our communities.” – Jenelle Hoseus, Health Impact Ohio and Civitas Board Member 

What we’re doing: We’re working to expand and formalize our public policy digest offerings, with plans to offer monthly or biweekly quick-read updates that focus on relevance and clarity. 

6) More Tangible, Shareable Resources

Members want more ready-to-use tools and reference materials to support both internal work and external messaging. A consistent theme was the desire for resources that are easy to share across teams and help onboard new staff. 

What we’re doing: Exploring development of the following resources based on these being the most highly requested: 

• A glossary of common industry terms and acronyms 

• A searchable case study library organized by geography, population, or policy theme 

• An interactive member directory with filters for collaboration opportunities, speakers, and shared priorities 

• A redesigned resource hub, with filters by format, topic, and relevance to specific roles (e.g., policy, comms, technical) 

7) In-Person and Local Engagement

Many members expressed a strong desire for regional or state-based meetups and more informal networking opportunities—especially at large national events. These moments offer valuable peer support and help deepen relationships across the network.  

What we’re exploring: We’re considering launching a LinkedIn group to make it easier for members to connect before, during, and after key conferences.  

8) Recognition and Partnership

Above all, members shared that they feel personally supported and seen by the Civitas team. They know who to contact, feel encouraged to share updates and requests, and appreciate the responsiveness of our core staff.  Members consistently mentioned Lisa Bari, Jessica Little, and Jolie Ritzo by name as go-to resources. 

Actions We’re Taking Based on Feedback

We’re already implementing changes based on this feedback, starting with a full revamp of the Member Area this April. You’ll see improved navigation, new resources, a refreshed member directory, and more. We’ll also continue building out policy digests, curated opportunity lists, and member storytelling tools. Most importantly, we’ll keep listening. 

You can expect to see these focus groups return a couple times a year, helping us stay connected with the evolving needs of our network and ensure we’re building the most helpful tools for your success. 

If you’d like to be part of a future focus group or want to share an idea in the meantime, reach out—we’d love to hear from you. 

Thank you again to all who participated. Your insights are helping us shape a better Civitas—together. 

Stay tuned for more updates in Network News and on the Civitas Member Area! Need links to these resources? Email . Additionally, check out the Civitas website to learn more about our story, Civitas members, and more. 

by Communications Team