Recap of Civitas’ Final Collaboratives in Action Webinar of 2024 Discussing Data Modernization 

At the end of 2025, Civitas Networks for Health wrapped up its annual public “Collaboratives in Action” webinar series with an insightful session titled “Localized Approaches to National Interoperability: How Public Health Agencies are Leveraging HIEs for Data Modernization.”  

The recording is available for those who were not able to tune in live. 

This final installment of Collaboratives in Action in 2024 brought together Civitas members Virginia Health Information, eHealth Exchange and their partner CRISP Shared Services, to explore the evolving landscape of public health data interoperability, critical partnerships, and the transformative impact data modernization can have on health outcomes.  

What is Data Modernization? 

Data modernization refers to the transformation of traditional data systems and processes to meet the evolving needs of public health, health care, and social care ecosystems. It encompasses upgrading outdated infrastructure, integrating new technologies, and fostering collaboration to enable more efficient, secure, and actionable data exchange. For public health agencies, data modernization is pivotal in addressing the complex challenges of today’s health care landscape, such as managing pandemics, improving health equity, and supporting evidence-based decision-making. 

At its core, data modernization involves: 

• Streamlining Data Exchange: Creating interoperable systems that seamlessly connect public health agencies, health care providers, and other stakeholders. 

• Leveraging Advanced Analytics: Utilizing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and real-time data dashboards to gain deeper insights into population health trends and outcomes. 

• Enhancing Accessibility: Ensuring that data is readily available and understandable to those who need it, from clinicians and public health officials to policymakers and community organizations. 

• Fostering Collaboration: Building partnerships among health information exchanges (HIEs), emerging health data utilities (HDUs), and other entities to drive innovation and shared learning. 

Data modernization enables health systems to move from reactive to proactive approaches, allowing for more timely interventions and a greater focus on prevention. By integrating localized solutions within national frameworks, such as those guided by the Trusted Exchange Framework and Common Agreement (TEFCA), public health agencies can unlock the full potential of their data to improve care quality, reduce disparities, and enhance population health outcomes. 

This webinar highlighted real-world examples of how state and regional HIEs and Health Data Utilities (HDUs) are driving data modernization through innovative local partnerships and initiatives.  

Meet the Experts in Data Modernization – Our Panelists 

Our panelists brought a wealth of knowledge and real-world experience to the discussion, showcasing how local HIEs and HDUs which require public-private partnerships can transform public health data interoperability.  

Guiding the conversation was Lisa Bari, CEO of Civitas Networks for Health, who moderated the session with her extensive insights into the health IT landscape and the importance of collaboration. With a deep understanding of data governance and public health strategies, Lisa provided the framework for an engaging conversation, connecting the panelists’ insights to Civitas’ broader mission of bridging data and doing to enhance health care delivery and equity. 

On this panel, we had: 

Jay Nakashima, President of eHealth Exchange: With over 18 years of experience in health IT and interoperability, Jay leads eHealth Exchange, a national network that facilitates secure data exchange among health organizations across the country. Under his leadership, eHealth Exchange has become a critical partner for public health agencies, enabling robust electronic case reporting and advancing TEFCA compliance to support cross-jurisdictional data sharing. 

Tim Powell, Epidemiologist and Informatician, Virginia Health Information (VHI): A seasoned public health professional with two decades of applied experience, Tim serves as a key strategist for VHI’s health data modernization efforts. He is instrumental in ensuring the seamless integration of public health data and advancing partnerships with agencies like the Virginia Department of Health. His insights into how HIEs can support pandemic response and long-term public health objectives provided valuable context for the webinar. 

Sheena Patel, Executive Director, Public Health Modernization, CRISP Shared Services: Sheena oversees the development and implementation of HDU solutions at CRISP Shared Services, a nonprofit organization providing cutting-edge technology services to HIEs and health data utilities nationwide. Her expertise in aligning public health and clinical workflows has driven impactful programs, including innovative approaches to vaccination data sharing and MDRO notification systems. 

Together, these panelists offered a unique perspective on the opportunities and challenges of advancing health data interoperability in the United States, drawing from their deep expertise and success in leading transformational initiatives at the local, state, and national level. 

Here’s what we covered in the webinar. 

The Power of Localized Data Modernization 

This webinar emphasized the crucial role of HIEs and HDUs in advancing data interoperability. Our speakers highlighted how local, regional, and national efforts are converging to support the data modernization initiatives (DMIs) that are reshaping public health. 

Through real-world examples, attendees gained insight into how HIEs like Virginia Health Information and national networks like eHealth Exchange are helping public health agencies move beyond traditional data-sharing models. These organizations are enabling richer, more actionable insights by integrating electronic case reporting, facilitating syndromic surveillance, and improving the timeliness of critical public health notifications. 

Jay Nakashima shared how public health authorities are leveraging robust data systems to enhance cross-jurisdictional communication. For example, eHealth Exchange plays a pivotal role in managing infectious disease outbreaks across the United States by sharing electronic notifications with public health agencies for over 200 notifiable conditions. This comprehensive system enables rapid and secure data exchange about critical diseases such as COVID-19, Mpox, Hepatitis, HIV, Measles, Rabies, Smallpox, Syphilis, Tuberculosis, and Zika, among others.  

These notifications go beyond reporting a single lab result; they provide rich, contextually detailed case reports that include patient demographics, test results, prescribed treatments, hospitalization data, and outcomes. By delivering this essential information directly to public health agencies, eHealth Exchange ensures timely responses to emerging public health threats, facilitates case investigations, and helps inform prevention and containment strategies. This robust framework empowers public health agencies to act swiftly, improving disease surveillance and enhancing the overall effectiveness of public health interventions nationwide. 

Similarly, Tim Powell provided an in-depth exploration of how Virginia’s HIE is transforming public health data integration and supporting local health departments in their pandemic responses and broader initiatives. At the core of these efforts is the Public Health Reporting Pathway, a unified system that handles 99.9% of electronic notifications to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH). The scale of its impact is immense, with notifications increasing from 33.5 million in 2018 to 155.5 million in 2023. This system encompasses critical reporting streams, including Electronic Lab Reporting (ELR), Electronic Case Reporting (eCR), Syndromic Surveillance, Immunizations, Cancer Reporting, and Newborn Screening. 

Powell also highlighted innovative projects like clinical notifications for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs) and ImmuTrak, a cohort-based immunization roster tool. ImmuTrak generates comprehensive immunization schedules, simplifying workflows for healthcare providers and long-term care facilities by automating the delivery of patient-specific vaccine schedules.  

Collectively, these tools enable faster responses to outbreaks and improve preventative care. 

Why We Must Collaborate Across Sectors to Achieve Data Modernization 

A key theme of the discussion was the power of partnerships. CRISP Shared Services, a nonprofit supporting HIE and HDU technology services, showcased how cross-sector collaboration is improving health equity, enhancing public health preparedness, and reducing operational inefficiencies. 

For example, CRISP’s work in multi-drug-resistant organism (MDRO) notifications is enabling more proactive interventions, while its bulk vaccination data-sharing programs are equipping schools and health care providers with real-time insights. These programs illustrate how aligning public health priorities with clinical workflows can lead to better care outcomes and more efficient use of resources. 

Additionally, the speakers discussed the critical role of TEFCA in enabling seamless, standardized data exchange across the nation. Despite early challenges, TEFCA holds promise as a foundational framework to accelerate interoperability and bridge gaps between health care providers, public health agencies, and policymakers. 

Opportunities and Challenges for Data Modernization in 2025 

While the progress made in 2024 is noteworthy, the path ahead remains filled with opportunities and challenges.  

As Sheena Patel noted, addressing issues like privacy concerns, equitable access to health data, and the ongoing need for updated public health technologies will be key to unlocking the full potential of interoperability initiatives. 

The webinar also underscored the importance of sustainable solutions. Through initiatives like the CDC’s Implementation Center program, Civitas members and partners are ensuring that the systems and frameworks built today will continue to deliver value well into the future. With $255 million in funding and a national mandate, this program is poised to drive significant progress in public health modernization and will be greatly benefited by using existing infrastructure such as regional and state HIEs, HDU, and other health data organizations. 

What Will It Take to Achieve Data Modernization? 

Modernizing public health requires transforming fragmented systems into an integrated, efficient network capable of responding to the complex health challenges of our time.  

“Local networks are the foundation of a more sustainable and equitable health care system. By leveraging their deep community connections and data-driven insights, these organizations address the unique needs of their regions while contributing to broader national progress. Their work ensures that transformation starts at the ground level, where it matters most, and scales to create a stronger, more connected health care ecosystem.” – Lisa Bari, CEO, Civitas Networks for Health 

To overcome these barriers, public health technology systems must be updated to ensure seamless, secure, and actionable data flow between clinical and public health entities. Achieving data modernization entails: 

Updating Legacy Systems 

Public health technology must enable the rapid and automatic flow of relevant data across organizations. Systems need to evolve beyond siloed approaches, embracing real-time data sharing for actionable insights. 

Enhancing Privacy, Transparency, and Policy Alignment 

Clear policies on data privacy, consent, and usage are critical to building trust among stakeholders and the public. Aligning regulations with technological capabilities ensures smoother implementation and broader participation. 

Promoting Health Equity 

Equity must remain central to modernization efforts, ensuring that data-driven insights address disparities and improve access to care for underrepresented and vulnerable populations. 

Fostering Cross-Sector Collaboration 

True modernization requires partnership across industries and sectors, with health care providers, public health agencies, and technology vendors working in tandem to create scalable, interoperable solutions. 

CRISP Shared Services offers a powerful example of what data modernization can achieve. Initially designed to support clinical use cases, CRISP scaled its infrastructure to accelerate public health initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its work demonstrates how existing resources can be adapted to meet urgent public health needs effectively. 

• Demographic Enrichment: CRISP provided updated patient information, such as phone numbers and race/ethnicity data, to help public health agencies conduct efficient contact tracing and outreach. 

• Bulk Vaccination Data: By integrating immunization data into provider and school systems, CRISP streamlined workflows, eliminating manual data entry and improving vaccine campaign outcomes. 

• Fatality Reviews: CRISP enriched overdose and suicide fatality reviews with additional data, offering insights into systemic challenges and prevention strategies. 

• Infectious Disease Alerts: CRISP ensured that infectious disease notifications reached both public health agencies and clinicians, enabling swift, informed decision-making at the point of care. 

The lessons from CRISP underline the immense value of leveraging existing technologies to address public health priorities.  

To achieve full-scale modernization, stakeholders must invest in scalable, interoperable systems and embrace a shared vision of a connected, equitable public health infrastructure. 

Access Webinar Materials and Stay Connected with Civitas 

If you missed this webinar or would like to revisit the session, all materials, including the recording and presentation slides are available. 

As we move into 2025, Civitas remains committed to fostering collaboration, supporting innovation, and amplifying the voices of local implementers using data-led multi-stakeholder approaches. Together, we can advance data-driven health improvement for communities across the nation. 

Stay connected with us for updates, upcoming events, and new resources. Please note that Civitas also hosts quarterly Collaboratives in Action webinars. Sign up to receive our emails.  

Together, let’s continue building bridges between data and doing.