About Us
Connecting for Better Health (C4BH) provides a forum for members to discuss policy developments, share the latest evidence, and develop a collective outlook to advance data sharing in California. We organize panels for industry events, develop educational materials, and advocate for sound state and federal policy.
Founded in 2021, C4BH is a coalition of providers, caregivers, health plans, patient advocates, innovators, and community based organizations. We strive to improve the state’s data sharing infrastructure with a goal of transforming health and social outcomes for all Californians.
In November 2023, C4BH became incorporated as a nonprofit to expand our leadership team with a board of directors and to grow the reach of our advocacy and education work.
Our Vision
Connecting for Better Health (C4BH) is dedicated to advancing health and social data sharing to improve the health of all Californians. Our coalition of diverse stakeholders have a shared vision that every Californian and their care team will have the information and insights they need to make care seamless, high quality, and affordable. To realize the full potential of data sharing, we provide a forum for members to discuss policy developments, share the latest innovations, and develop a collective outlook to bring awareness to and influence policy at the state and federal levels.
What We Do
Connecting for Better Health brings together consumer groups, health care providers, health plans, and technology partners dedicated to advancing statewide health data exchange in California. We meet regularly as a coalition to hear from guest speakers, discuss recent regulations and policy guidance, share new research, and develop policy recommendations related to health data exchange. We also organize panels, highlight patient and provider stories, and develop educational materials to inform policy makers and our members about the current health data exchange landscape and demonstrate urgency for action.
2024 Policy Priorities
- DSA Education and Implementation: Promote awareness of the CalHHS Data Sharing Agreement and support data exchange implementation to realize the promise of A.B. 133
- Funding: Advocate for the state to dedicate continued funding for health and social services data sharing and encourage state agencies to seek federal match when and where appropriate
- Integration of social services data: Develop and communicate case studies and policy recommendations that support cross-sector data sharing, consent, and authorization
- Advance DxF Governance, Enforcement, and Accountability: Work towards the passage of California Data Exchange Framework legislation, monitor state legislation and budgetary actions related to data sharing, and provide critical feedback to CDII and other state agencies to resolve challenges
Principles
In shaping our agenda and approaching our work, we will support activities that align with our principles.
- Patient, Caregiver and Provider Stories Lead Our Work. We approach our work with patients, caregivers and providers at the center, and their diverse voices guide our work. We recognize that data collected by the health system should be used to improve patient and caregiver experience and outcomes and to the benefit of the doctors and nurses that care for them.
- Health Equity and Care Transformation Are Our Ultimate Goals. We understand the role connected health data play in improving the value of care, lowering costs, reducing burdens on patients and identifying and eliminating health disparities that continue to impact too many Californians.
- Linkages with Public Health are Essential to our Success. We recognize that data collected by the health system strengthen our public health infrastructure and ability to prepare and respond to public health emergencies.
- Data Privacy and Security Must Be Reinforced. We believe that connected health data can and must be developed and shared among systems in secure ways that uphold patient privacy.
Objectives
We will achieve connected health data by employing these objectives:
- Activating the health care community. Create a structure for individuals and organizations that believe in the promise of connected health data to advance policy.
- Understanding user’s views. Gather advocates, researchers, and policymakers to highlight the value of connected health data to patients, caregivers and providers.
- Influencing and educating. Translate research, law, policies and stories into actionable insights, create educational forums and materials.
- Strategic communications. Develop industry-level and consumer based communications that highlight the need for connected health data.
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Help us advance data sharing to improve the health of all Californians.
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