This issue brief explores how community advocates and policymakers can work together to develop effective data collection strategies that reflect the needs of a given community. Data that accounts for lived expertise can inform more equitable public policies.

Six pilot communities identified learnings.

Lessons about integrating community perspectives into data sharing:

• Resources, time, and capacity building are needed to involve community partners in data sharing
• Confront silos within and across sectors and systems to better address health equity
• Clearly articulate the vision for sharing data across systems and sectors
• Build data integration into ongoing efforts with community partners
• Involve multiple community voices to inform solutions to complex policy challenges
• Partnerships work! Efforts involving community members and government agencies can achieve more equitable policy wins.