INTRODUCTION: What is this Newsletter About?

Welcome to the 5th edition of our State Agency Newsletter, created by Connie, the designated Health Information Exchange (HIE) for the state of Connecticut. As a non-profit organization primarily funded by the state, we are dedicated to being the primary resource for all your community care goals. We encourage you to always prioritize THINK CONNIE FIRST when striving to improve the health outcomes of the communities we serve.

Connie plays an essential role in facilitating a secure and appropriate exchange of electronic health information among healthcare providers, public health agencies, and other stakeholders involved in the care of Connecticut's residents.

We recognize the crucial role of state agencies in providing essential care to the community, from ensuring public health and safety to promoting the growth and development of children. These agencies also play a valuable part in supporting vulnerable members of the community to live fulfilling and productive lives, and we are thrilled to collaborate with them to achieve our shared goal of improving health outcomes for all.

In this newsletter, we will keep you updated on our latest initiatives and collaborations, share insights on the benefits of an HIE, and highlight how our platform is positively impacting the lives of patients across Connecticut. We also look forward to hearing from you and learning how Connie can assist you in achieving your data-driven goals.

Thank you for your interest in Connie and for aligning with our mission to improve the health of Connecticut through innovative technology. We hope you find this newsletter informative and valuable, and we look forward to working with you to create a healthier Connecticut!

Connecting Care: DOC's Path to Health Information Exchange 

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, the significance of seamless data exchange cannot be overstated. The Department of Correction (DOC) in Connecticut, responsible for providing healthcare services to our incarcerated population, has embarked on an exciting journey with Connie, Connecticut's designated Health Information Exchange (HIE). The objective is clear: to ensure that healthcare services within the prison walls and beyond are not just a necessity but a continuum of care that supports reintegration into society. 

DOC's medical team is currently in the process of onboarding with Connie, a pivotal step that promises to bring a multitude of benefits for all stakeholders. This connection means that when an individual enters the correctional system, their medical history, dating back to before incarceration, is readily accessible. A comprehensive view of the patient's healthcare journey, medications, pre-existing conditions, and treatments can now be at the fingertips of the healthcare providers within the DOC. 

But the benefits will extend beyond the prison walls. This connection with Connie is not just about managing healthcare within incarceration; it's about securing a path to a healthier future upon release. Incarcerated individuals are members of our community, and their health and well-being should be a shared responsibility. When individuals reenter society, their healthcare journey will continue. With access to comprehensive medical records, DOC will be in a position to contribute to the continuity of care for those transitioning back into the community. 

The DOC is still in the process of connecting with Connie. Once connected, this exchange will ensure that relevant health information is consistently shared between the DOC and the broader healthcare ecosystem. It's not just about data; it's about creating a bridge between two critical phases in a person's life, where health information can be a lifeline to better care. 

The advantages of DOC’s connection with Connie will be vast! From a healthcare perspective, it will mean more informed decision-making, improved diagnoses, and the ability to tailor treatment plans to an individual's unique needs. For the Department of Correction, it will be about fulfilling their mission of rehabilitation and reintegration into society. And for the individuals in their care, it will represent a more holistic approach to their well-being, promoting their best chance at a healthier, more successful life beyond incarceration. 

As we move forward, the story of DOC's connection with Connie will be a testament to the power of collaboration and data exchange. It will highlight the possibilities that lie in the seamless flow of information and the positive impact it can have on individuals, communities, and the healthcare system as a whole. We will look forward to witnessing the transformative potential of this connection as it unfolds and to sharing the successes and insights it will bring to our State Agency Newsletter. 

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership and the countless ways in which Connecticut is working to improve healthcare outcomes and support the reintegration of our incarcerated population into our communities. 

SHARE's Adaptive Solutions:

Navigating Pandemic Challenges to Address the Opioid Crisis 

In the heart of Arkansas, SHARE (State Health Alliance for Records Exchange) emerged as a steadfast ally to the community, during the challenging era of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing the critical need for efficient healthcare information exchange, SHARE played a pivotal role in bolstering the state's public health efforts. 

SHARE's support extended to the state's health department, aiding the rapid onboarding of laboratories reporting COVID-19 test results. Their adaptability and technical prowess were crucial at a time when testing facilities were sprouting up, even in less technologically advanced settings. 

Recognizing the challenges faced by labs in transmitting HL7 messages directly to public health agencies, SHARE played a crucial role as a mediator. It converted data to align with the agency's requirements, enabling even labs without advanced technology to contribute effectively in the fight against COVID-19. While some labs seamlessly integrated their electronic medical record (EMR) systems with health departments, others, constrained by limited resources, resorted to simpler methods. In some cases, labs could only transmit basic CSV files containing test results. SHARE efficiently converted these CSV files into HL7 messages, the standardized format for healthcare data exchange, ensuring swift and streamlined processing of COVID-19 test results into the health department's immunization registry. 

This transformation allowed laboratories of all sizes, even those with limited technical capabilities, to seamlessly integrate into the public health system. SHARE's automated processes ensured real-time data flow to the health department, providing healthcare professionals with the information they needed to make well-informed decisions during the pandemic. 

SHARE Shifts Gears 

As the urgency of the COVID-19 pandemic subsided, SHARE's focus strategically shifted. The new administration made a deliberate decision to return to one of its core missions: addressing the ongoing opioid crisis. This transition underscores SHARE's adaptability and steadfast commitment to addressing public health challenges. Serving as a bridge between healthcare providers and the health department, SHARE efficiently manages data, alleviating the health department of administrative burdens. This streamlined approach proved invaluable during the pandemic response and continues to be equally essential in combating the opioid crisis. 

With comprehensive data on opioid-related hospitalizations and overdoses, SHARE remains a crucial partner in the state's public health efforts. Departments within the health department now have easy access to essential information. SHARE's dedication to enhancing community health remains unwavering. This seamless transition bridges the gap between the pandemic response and the ongoing opioid crisis, ensuring that vital data is readily available for informed decision-making and ongoing improvements in public health. 

Connie's dedicated State Agency Newsletter is a valuable resource for staying up-to-date with how Connecticut and other states are leveraging HIEs to improve their programs. By providing timely and accurate data on the health of populations, HIEs can help agencies better target their resources and comply with state and federal regulations related to healthcare data exchange and reporting. As Connecticut's designated health information exchange, Connie is uniquely positioned to provide insights and updates on the latest trends and best practices in the industry.



Our newsletter offers comprehensive coverage of state agency-related topics, including innovative solutions to the most pressing issues. Be sure to subscribe and forward this email to your colleagues to ensure everyone in your organization has access to this important information!