Civitas Kicks Off 2026 Meeting, Stressing National Network Collaboration
Civitas Networks for Health began its 2026 Annual Conference in Arlington. CEO Jolie Ritzo emphasized how the group’s 150 member organizations use data to improve care quality, safety, and affordability while addressing upstream health factors. The organization is in the first year of a three-year plan centered on stronger networks, a stronger national voice, and a solid foundation.
Civitas Networks for Health represents 150 organizations active in every state. Its membership includes health information exchanges, community data exchanges, all-payer claims databases, quality improvement groups, regional health improvement groups, and strategic partners. CEO Jolie Ritzo described these groups at the 2026 Annual Conference in Arlington as a vital national backbone.
The organization is in the first year of a three-year plan. Its goals include stronger network ties and shared learning, turning local experience into national input, and building organizational stability. Civitas also highlighted mission-aligned programs, such as a learning community with the Consortium for State and Regional Interoperability centered on health data utilities.
The conference may strengthen coordination among data-focused health organizations, potentially helping communities benefit from faster learning and shared tools. Patients, providers, public health agencies, and regional collaboratives could see effects if data sharing improves care quality, safety, and affordability. National policymakers may also gain clearer community-level insight as members translate local experience into broader guidance. However, impact depends on implementation, resources, and trust across diverse networks.