CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The West Virginia Department of Health has released a Request for Proposal to build a statewide “Data Spine,” a major digital infrastructure project designed to connect health information systems across the state and strengthen the backbone of the Rural Health Transformation Program.
The Data Spine is a core component of the RHTP’s Connected Care Grid initiative and is intended to serve as a secure, scalable network that integrates data from electronic health records, claims systems, EMS, public health programs, and community‑based organizations. Officials say the platform will allow providers and policymakers to work from a unified, real‑time picture of health needs in West Virginia.
“Data plays a vital role in how we understand health needs and improve care across our state,” said Secretary of Health Dr. Arvin Singh. “The Data Spine initiative is an important step toward bringing information together in a more connected and meaningful way — helping providers, communities, and the State work from a shared picture to better support the health of West Virginians.”
The Department is seeking a vendor capable of delivering a system that supports interoperability, real‑time data exchange, and advanced analytics. The platform will include dashboards, reporting tools, and predictive modeling to help identify at‑risk populations, monitor outcomes, and guide decision‑making.
Officials say the Data Spine will also improve care coordination, particularly for patients with complex needs, by reducing duplication, improving efficiency, and enabling smoother transitions between clinical and non‑clinical services. The system is expected to support broader RHTP goals by strengthening accountability and enabling the state to measure program impact at both local and statewide levels.
“This effort is about creating a unified, reliable foundation for healthcare data in West Virginia,” Singh said. “With the right technology partner, we can move beyond disconnected systems and build a modern data environment that supports our providers, empowers our communities, and ultimately improves healthcare outcomes.”
