Written by Malik Chambers
Civitas Networks for Health is happy to introduce EMI Advisors (EMI) to our network. EMI, an SBA 8(a) consulting firm, specializes in implementing scalable and interoperable solutions for care planning and applying their advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities to transform data into actionable insights. EMI pioneers solutions across various sectors, including health, defense, climate adaptation, human services, and information technology. EMI collaborates with federal and state agencies, HIEs, CIEs, research and academic institutions, and community-based organizations to shape policy, set data standards, and drive clinical and social care data integration.
Founded by Evelyn Gallego in 2012, EMI specializes in value-driven and data-oriented management and advisory services for government, commercial, and non-profit clients. EMI carries an extensive track record of bridging the gap between health IT policy, standards, and business requirements, showcased through initiatives like the Gravity Project. The team is fueled by a dual passion for data and community impact. This, coupled with their strong commitment to ethics and equity, allows them to craft and implement effective policies and programs that leverage data to mitigate health disparities.
Garnering Buy-In from Community Members and Organizations
EMI champions inclusivity by ensuring the communities it serves are integral to decision-making processes. Its prioritization of partnership and relationship building has made it critical in multiple endeavors aimed at aligning siloed agencies and organizations. This approach fosters sustainable and long-term engagement, which is necessary to improve the health IT landscape.
EMI is a trusted partner with agencies such as ASTP/ONC and ACL largely because of the firm’s commitment to transparency and mutual respect. The key to their success is building strong, lasting partnerships through a deep understanding of each organization’s unique needs. They prioritize listening and adapting their strategies to align with their partners’ specific goals and values.
A prime example of their effective approach is their partnership with the Missouri Department of Mental Health Division of Developmental Disabilities. EMI works with the state to develop policy and inform data infrastructure that promotes social care integration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Their work enhances care coordination and service delivery by integrating data across health and social care providers. By fostering a unified vision among stakeholders for the adoption and exchange of comprehensive, person-centered care plans, EMI is helping the state improve health outcomes while substantially reducing health care costs for individuals with IDD.
Addressing Health & Social Care Data Exchange Challenges Through Education
EMI takes a thoughtful approach to overcoming health information exchange challenges by making complex ideas accessible and relevant to each audience. They do not just talk about digital transformation and interoperability—they make it real for organizations by using human-centered systems thinking to break down and visualize these concepts.
A great example of this is their work on California’s Data Exchange Framework (DxF) Sandbox, launched through the Connecting for Better Health nonprofit coalition, an organization dedicated to advancing health data exchange in California. EMI was a key player in creating this virtual testing environment, which helps health and social service organizations plan, design, and refine workflows to maximize data exchange. By providing a straightforward entry point to this framework, the sandbox enables organizations of all sizes and technical expertise to adopt and benefit from integrated networks. EMI’s hands-on approach ensured that participating organizations progressed from merely learning about data exchange to effectively implementing it, making a tangible impact on the individuals and communities they serve.
Driving Standards Development and Implementation
EMI has been at the forefront of the Gravity Project and other pivotal national data standards, driving advancements in health and social care data interoperability. Their leadership has revealed that beyond setting policies and standards, the real work lies in practical implementation across systems and networks. Through direct engagement with end-users, policymakers, and implementers, EMI identifies the human factors that hinder the effective use of data standards and works to address them. By developing solutions that streamline workflows and mitigate information blocking, EMI ensures that these standards exist and work effectively and efficiently for those who rely on them.
Keeping the Team Connected and Motivated
Stacy Smith, Chief of Staff at EMI Advisors, plays a pivotal role in maintaining focus and motivation among the firm’s remote and hybrid employees, which is key to advancing their community and data-centric mission. She masterminds ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions that effectively merge virtual and onsite formats, promoting cross-departmental collaboration and deepening the team’s engagement with various projects. These sessions strengthen team cohesion and understanding across the organization.
In addition to virtual events, EMI prioritizes in-person interactions. Their quarterly meetings reinforce unity and facilitate the exchange of insights across the team. With a talented team that possesses a vast array of skills and expertise, these sessions allow team members to share experiences and insights and align their commitment and approach to shared goals. This blend of virtual and in-person engagements ensures the team remains unified and energized as they solve complex problems for their clients.
Partnership with Civitas
EMI’s partnership with Civitas reflects its deep commitment to health data interoperability, evolving from long-standing support and endorsement of Civitas’ mission and collective impact. Joining Civitas as members was a natural progression, allowing EMI to formalize their collaboration and work more closely with other HIEs and CIEs within the network. This partnership aims to further the shared goals of enhancing health data interoperability and community-based care. Through their collaboration with Civitas, EMI seeks to tap into the network’s collective expertise and resources, aiming to drive significant improvements in health outcomes nationwide.
For more information on EMI Advisors and their work, make sure to visit their website.
