24-Hour Crisis Line Text or Phone: 403-266-4357

Resources

What is the CIE?

Imagine you’re in a vulnerable state, and your world has just turned upside down. You need help from one of Calgary’s services, but instead of getting help right away, you’re forced to tell your personal story over and over again to different service workers, retraumatizing you each time.

This is the reality for too many individuals, and it doesn’t have to be this way. The Calgary Community Information Exchange (CIE) is changing that.

The CIE is all about better sharing and better caring. Your information will move with you between services, and you’ll get more reliable support, without having to tell your story repeatedly to receive help.

What is the CIE?

The CIE makes it easier for services to work together by using shared tools, a common resource database, and secure technology. This helps create a smoother, easier experience for people who need support, so they spend less time navigating the system and more time getting the help they need.

The CIE is currently in testing and is anticipated to launch in Calgary in the fall of 2026.

The Calgary community will benefit from the CIE in several ways:

Better experiences for individuals

People no longer have to repeat their story over and over. Instead, services are connected and work together, so individuals get the right help, from the right places, at the right time.

Smarter collaboration across services

Organizations can work together using one shared platform, meaning everyone involved in someone’s care can see the full picture and work together to provide support that’s complete, connected, and centered on the person.

Data-informed decisions for better results

Real-time information helps funders and decision-makers to better understand community needs and use resources more fairly and effectively, ultimately closing gaps and improving outcomes.

Breaking down barriers

The CIE helps identify and address the systemic barriers that stop people—especially those in marginalized communities—from getting the support they need. It’s a step toward more equal and inclusive care for everyone.

How the CIE Works

The process is simple — and powerful.

  1. Consent: A person agrees to have their information shared through the CIE.
  2. Connection: Their details are securely added to a shared digital platform, CareSuite.
  3. Collaboration: Agencies across sectors—from housing to mental health—can view, update, and coordinate care in real time.
  4. Care: Instead of being bounced between systems, the person gets a unified, responsive, and dignified experience.

This is care that works with people, not against them.

Chris’ Story:
Before and After the CIE

Please note: This is a fictional story to demonstrate the potential impact of the CIE.

Before CIE

Chris, 25, was trying to find housing and health support. In just two days, he contacted 8 different services—shelters, hospitals, crisis teams. But none of them were connected. He had to relive his trauma, complete the same intake forms, and manage his own case across disconnected systems. Despite his effort, Chris was left feeling overwhelmed and unsupported.

After CIE

When Chris consented to join the CIE, everything changed. Each provider —CUPS, The Alex, SORCe, and others — had access to the secure information Chris consented to share. They coordinated appointments, pre-filled forms, and worked together to build a personalized care plan. Chris felt supported on his path forward.

Partnership

Distress Centre Calgary is the lead agency for the CIE. But we do not work alone. Our partners make the CIE possible.

Investment Partners

Partners

Donor spotlight: Calgary foundation

Thank you to the Calgary Foundation for generously investing $1,000,000 into the CIE over two years. Thanks to their generous support, the CIE is well-positioned to make a difference across the Calgary community.

Get Involved

Join Us in Building a More Connected System of Care 

Your investment in the Community Information Exchange (CIE) benefits the social, health, and government sector across Calgary. By supporting technology integration and capacity-building, you’ll strengthen collaboration among frontline agencies, reduce duplication, and ensure individuals and families receive the coordinated care they need—when and where they need it most. 

Your support creates lasting impact for all agencies serving people who rely on multiple services. Contact us to learn more. 

email CIE@DISTRESSCENTRE.COM

WITH YOUR SUPPORT NO ONE HAS TO FACE CRISIS ALONE.

We want you to know that your donation is currently supporting someone in crisis. Thank you for your contributions.

Ways to give