Civitas Networks for Health is a U.S. nonprofit collaborative that connects organizations using health data to improve care and community health. It grew out of an August 2021 affiliation between the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement (NRHI) and the Strategic Health Information Exchange Collaborative (SHIEC); the new organization launched on October 1, 2021.9 The founding groups brought together regional health collaboratives and health information exchanges, with an initial combined reach spanning 45 states and the District of Columbia.9
Civitas’s approach is to link local and regional data organizations and support collaboration across sectors, while bringing local experience into national policy discussions. Its network includes health information exchanges, emerging Health Data Utilities, Community Information Exchanges, regional health improvement collaboratives, all-payer claims databases, quality improvement organizations, and other multi-stakeholder groups.4 The organization says its work addresses health care cost, quality, safety, and upstream drivers of health; it also educates private-sector organizations and policymakers on interoperability, care coordination, health equity, and cost-effectiveness.49
The network has grown since its launch: Civitas reported more than 160 member organizations in its 2025 impact report, while its current site describes a network of more than 150 members and business partners.16 Its activities include multi-site grant-funded initiatives and national convenings, including an annual conference focused on health data, interoperability, public health, quality improvement, and community-led governance.23 The 2026 conference is scheduled for September 22–24 in Arlington, Virginia; announced sessions include discussion of how federal and state policy connects with local implementation, and the practical considerations of deploying AI in health care.23
The founding announcement named Lisa Bari as interim CEO.9 The organization’s 2026 conference announcement identifies Jolie Ritzo as its CEO.2