Stark County Partners with Unite Us to Launch Countywide Information Exchange to Improve Health Outcomes

Using Unite Us’ technology, the county’s ConnectWell CIE program aims to reduce barriers in whole-person care—with the potential to save $19.3M in healthcare costs, according to research. 

Stark County, Ohio – October XX, 2025 – Stark County, Ohio is proud to announce its pivotal partnership with Unite Us, the nation’s trusted technology partner for integrating health and community-based care. This collaboration will implement Unite Us’ closed-loop referral system, empowering the county to create the ConnectWell CIE of East Central Ohio, a countywide Social Information Exchange Network (SIEN) administered by Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland and East Central Ohio. This program enhances access to medical and non-medical services for residents by enabling secure electronic referrals, bi-directional data sharing, and real-time analytics to unify care across Stark County.

Stark County has long faced challenges connecting its residents with health services and addressing underlying non-medical needs. Extensive community engagement methods identified key non-medical drivers of health—including access to healthcare, food security, housing stability, and transportation—that often act as barriers to overall well-being. Partners in the ConnectWell CIE, including local foundations, local government agencies, and health organizations, are committed to overcoming these barriers. Research from Ohio University indicates that removing barriers for 10% of Stark County residents who need mental health treatment, substance use treatment, housing, transportation, and nutrition support could generate over $19.3 million in healthcare savings in one year. 

“Challenges the community faces in accessing vital healthcare and non-medical services are complex, but our commitment to the residents is unwavering,” said Anju Mader, MD, Director of the ConnectWell CIE and Chief Health Integration Officer at Stark Mental Health & Addiction Recovery. “Unite Us provides the essential infrastructure to connect our dedicated service providers, streamline referrals, and ensure that individuals receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive. This partnership is a testament to our collective vision for a healthier, more connected Stark County.”

 Implementing Unite Us’ platform empowers Stark County to:

• Increase Healthcare Access: Create a coordinated delivery system for healthcare and community services, making it easier for residents to access physical and mental health support.
• Facilitate Closed-Loop Referrals: Enable seamless transitions between care providers and community-based organizations, reducing errors and improving follow-up rates.
• Generate Comprehensive Data: Provide robust data for metrics, allowing for the identification of unmet needs, emerging trends, and the assessment of intervention efficacy. This data is crucial in informing future policy and resource allocation.
• Enhance Community Collaboration: Build a stronger “community of care” around individuals and families by connecting health, human, and community-based service providers.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Stark County in their groundbreaking efforts to integrate medical, behavioral, and community care,” said Taylor Justice, CEO and Co-founder at Unite Us. “Our platform is designed to break down silos and create a unified ecosystem where every individual’s needs are met with dignity and efficiency. The projected return on investment demonstrates the transformative potential of a fully functioning SIEN for Stark County.”

All non-profit, community-based organizations providing services to individuals can access Unite Us’ platform free of charge. To learn more, visit uniteus.com/contact/.