Like the SIMIS initiative, the goal of the e-net network is to allow participating health centers to continue the services they provide to their community while realizing significant cost savings and benefits as a result of being a part of a collaboration.  The network will facilitate further integration and use of new technologies to enhance communication, trust, and renewed working relationships between diverse health center partners.  And, while the benefits of utilizing an EPM/EHR/EDR system have already been proven, members of IPHCA’s e-net network will also gain from numerous advantages. The most obvious benefit is the significant cost efficiencies enjoyed by all members.  First, there are numerous funding opportunities available to collaborations for which an individual CHC would not be eligible to apply.  IPHCA has successfully secured $4.1 million in funding, and it is being used to finance the many initial hardware, software, and start-up costs that would be borne by each health center if implementing these systems individually.  Secondly, ongoing support costs are shared equitably by all members, again representing significant cost savings.  (Refer to the Responsibilities page for more information.)  As membership continues to grow, the savings will only increase.  IPHCA has contracted with subject matter experts to assist during critical periods of the project.  This cost is offset by the funding received, and therefore provided at no cost to the health centers. IPHCA is providing dedicated project staff to provide support to all e-net members.  This includes pre-implementation planning, on-site support during implementation, initial and on-going training, and post-implementation help desk support.  The members will benefit from future enhancements (such as procurement of third party reporting software) and interfaces equally and at significant cost savings. The members have a distinct advantage in that they are replicating the success of the initial i-net network.  That the organizations have learned from the challenges of implementing a shared system is testimony to the value of being able to replicate such implementations. For health centers applying for New Start and Expansion grants, acquiring or maintaining an adequate management information system can significantly strengthen the “Organizational Capabilities and Expertise” section of the grant application.  Participation in the e-net network demonstrates administrative effectiveness in leveraging resources by utilizing the skills, talent, and expertise available through the network.  In addition, participation demonstrates an appreciation and understanding of the benefits and value of collaboration and integration on a statewide level.  Referencing the CHCs involvement in the e-net network will greatly enhance the grant application and underscore the advantages of being a member of IPHCA. Finally, the e-net network will continue to foster a working environment among health center partners, allowing for the free exchange of ideas and information between entities hundreds of miles away.  It will create additional commonality among partners and will eliminate old excuses for not working together on common ground issues.