We Are Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN)
We are a dedicated team of local specialists who help our friends, neighbors and families—and the entire state of Delaware. We make it possible for everyone involved in healthcare—providers, data senders, policymakers and patients—to access and share the information needed for better care. Because having the whole picture helps everyone make smarter, healthier decisions. We were the nation’s first live statewide health information exchange. Our independent, mission-driven organization exists to support smarter, safer and more compassionate care for everyone in our community.
Our History
From the start, our foundation has been built on a sense of purpose.
1997
DHIN was established in 1997 by the Delaware General Assembly. The Assembly enacted DHIN as a public-private partnership, with the objective of creating a statewide health information network to offer timely, reliable and relevant healthcare information.
2007
In 2007, we went live. This was the first time in the United States that health information could seamlessly flow across a state’s network of healthcare providers—connecting hospitals, labs and physician practices in real time.
2012
DHIN reached a turning point in 2012, when we became fully self-sustaining as a public-private partnership—or public instrumentality—fully independent from the state. Now we are guided only by our values, not state funding.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower the public as well as private industries to make data-driven decisions through innovative health data solutions.
What Is a Public Instrumentality?
DHIN is a public instrumentality, a state-created organization that serves the public good but operates independently—like a not-for-profit business with public oversight. Since we are independent from the state, we have flexibility and freedom to make decisions based solely on our mission and values. At the same time, state oversight ensures we stay accountable to the public. We are governed by a diverse board that brings together stakeholders from across our health community, including consumers, physicians, hospitals, health plans, businesses and higher-education institutions.