How will the CIE® work? 

ConnectWell is working with the nation’s trusted technology partner in Unite Us to implement their closed loop referral system to enhance vital healthcare and other non-medical services for residents by enabling secure electronic referrals with client consent.  

What are the social drivers of health? 

Social drivers (also known as determinants) of health are the nonmedical factors that influence health outcomes. They are the conditions in which people are born, grow, work, live, worship and age (cdc.gov). 

What will the success of the CIE look like? 

• Increased Healthcare Access: Create a coordinated healthcare and non-medical services delivery system, making it easier for residents to access physical and mental health support. 

• Facilitated Closed-Loop Referrals: Ensure seamless transitions between care providers and community-based organizations allowing a referring agency to know that their patient received help. 

• Availability of Comprehensive Data: Provide robust data for metrics, allowing for the identification of unmet needs, emerging trends, and the assessment of intervention efficacy.  

• Enhanced Community Collaboration: Build a stronger “community of care” around individuals and families by connecting health, human, and community-based service providers. 

Are there CIEs® in other communities in the U.S.? 

Yes! The first Community Information Exchange® began in San Diego in 2011, and after much success, others have begun throughout the U.S., with Summit County, Ohio, starting in 2023.  

How is ConnectWell funded? 

ConnectWell is generously funded by a local health system, government and non-government agencies, as well as local foundations. 

What is the cost of participating?

Nonprofit, community-based 501c3 organizations always participate in the CIE at no cost. Government, healthcare, health payors, education and for-profit organizations will have a cost beginning in July of 2027 based on a reasonable fee schedule. Contact the CIE Team to learn more about the fee schedule.

What counties do you serve?

Carroll, Columbiana, Holmes, Stark, Tuscarawas and Wayne counties

How does the client consent process work?

There are six different ways an individual can provide consent in Unite Us: text, email, paper, audio, on screen and verbal attestation in more than 50 languages.

How can I learn more about the CIE® and become a partner? 

Email us at [email protected]. We look forward to creating a healthier community together. 

*Stark County Social Information Exchange Network Prospective SROI and Scan of the Field, 2024. 

Partner Benefits 

ConnectWell CIE of East Central Ohio works in partnership with Unite Us to connect nonprofits, agencies, and service providers through a secure closed-loop referral system. Together, we reduce barriers, enhance service delivery, and ensure better outcomes for the individuals and families we serve. 

Membership in the ConnectWell CIE immediately creates value for your organization and the community with built-in benefits: 

• Stronger Collaboration - Seamless communication with partner agencies to strengthen coordination and reduce duplication of services.  

• “No Wrong Door” Access - Clients entering through any partner agency are quickly connected to the right services.  

• Improved Client Experience - Coordinated referrals reduce frustration and stigma by eliminating the need for clients to repeatedly share their stories.  

• Personalized Navigation - Track and support client progress across multiple organizations to ensure better outcomes.  

• Data-Driven Insights - Access real-time referral data to identify service gaps, trends, and opportunities for smarter resource allocation.  

• CIE Governance  Councils: Leadership, Network Partners, Community Advisory  

Extend your agency’s impact with ConnectWell’s administration support: 

• Peer Learning Networks - Join regular roundtables and virtual meetups to exchange best practices and problem-solve with peers.  

• Recognition Opportunities - Showcase your organization’s successes through newsletters, social media highlights, and CIE events.  

• Joint Grant Facilitation - Access coordination support for collaborative funding opportunities strengthened by shared impact data.  

Partner Principles 

ConnectWell CIE of East Central Ohio, a community information exchange network, is built on trust, collaboration, and respect. These principles guide how partners work together and share information to better serve individuals, families, and communities. 

Our Shared Commitments 

• Collaboration
  • We work together across sectors to connect people with the right services at the right time. 

• • We share responsibility for improving outcomes in our communities.  
• Privacy & Respect
  • We respect the privacy and dignity of every person we serve. 

• • We only share information when it is legally allowed and with consent when required. 
• Responsible Use of Data
  • We use shared data only to support care coordination, referrals, and service improvement. 

• • We do not use data for marketing, fundraising, or other unrelated purposes. 
• Security
  • We follow strong security practices to keep information safe. 

• • We make sure only trained staff access ConnectWell CIE. 
• Accountability
  • We hold ourselves and each other responsible for using the CIE with integrity. 

• • We address concerns quickly and fairly. 
• Continuous Improvement
  • We commit to learning and growing together. 

• • We use data and feedback to make our region better for everyone. 

By joining ConnectWell CIE, we agree to:  

• Share information safely and responsibly. 

• Work together to coordinate services. 
• Put people and communities first