WHAT IS A COMMUNITY INFORMATION EXCHANGE
A Community Information Exchange (CIE) is a network of organizations, including health clinics, community based organizations and social service agencies, that agree to work together using shared tools, shared language, and shared data (with permission) to coordinate care for the community members they serve.
In practice, that means a resource navigator can refer a family to a food bank, that food bank can refer them to a housing counselor, and everyone involved can see what’s already happened- so the family doesn’t have to repeat their story over and over. Partners can send warm referrals, track whether a referral was received and acted on, and build a longitudinal record to better serve their needs over time.
The goal is a shift away from reactive, siloed care toward proactive, person-centered support.
CIE AND THE AGENDA FOR ACTION
Health Equity Rising's Agenda for Action is our roadmap for building a culturally responsive health care system where every community member is seen, supported and connected to the resources they need. Community Information Exchange (CIE) is a central strategy within that roadmap: a framework that creates a shared language and infrastructure for meaningful cross-sector care coordination and collaboration.
5 ELEMENTS OF A CIE
Effective CIEs are built on five core components that work together to enable community-wide care coordination.
Network Partners
A multi-sector network of organizations committed to working together across sectors.
Technology Platform
An integrated platform enabling bi-directional referrals and a shared longitudinal record.
Shared Language
Common definitions so every partner understands needs and services the same way.
Care Planning Tools
Tools that integrate data from multiple sources to support whole-person care coordination.
Resource Database
A directory of community resources, kept current and accessible to all partners.
ACTION TEAM
The CIE Action Team is a community-led governing body of partners and community leaders that guides the CIE to ensure equitable, client-centered care coordination across sectors. As ambassadors of the CIE, members champion its mission from within their own organizations and communities. This team focuses on:
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Strengthening connections between organizations
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Simplifying care coordination
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Ensuring culturally responsive practices
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Building infrastructure that meets evolving community needs through transparent, community-led decision-making
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The CIE Action Team meets bi-monthly virtually and in-person.
Reach out to Tara Witten for more information.
OUR CIE PARTNERS
