A lesson that the disaster relief agencies learned after Hurricane Katrina, is that it is critical to support highly effective and flexible technology because no disaster is the same and technologies must be rapidly adjustable.  Another lesson learned is that the technologies must also adhere to data exchange standards so they can be part of a larger network or system of systems.  By having client data exchange standards more coordinated care will be able to occur, agencies will be able to use which ever system works best for them and greater leverage of resources can occur.

The Disaster /Client Data/ Exchange Project is a directed effort aimed at improving the circulation of reliable client information within the American Red Cross and partner agencies during disasters. Client information that is shared in near real-time facilitates 1) enhanced client services and 2) more effective case managers that are empowered with a timely and highly accurate client information database.

Compliance with the Client Data Standard ensures the following:

• A standard for client data interoperability

• Effective and secure sharing of client data

• Different vendor applications will have access to client data across a trusted network

• Increases the rate at which agencies can deploy services and support to individuals and families affected by disasters

• Vendor applications will be certified compliant to both import and export client data to the specifications of this standard

Agencies that collect client data have a legitimate interest in benefiting from their time and investment.  As such, the Client Data Standard provides certification that vendor applications have the ability to both export and import client data.   The Client Data Standard takes advantage of the power and flexibility of Extensible Markup Language (XML).  XML allows for the exchange of large amounts of information via the web.

The American Red Cross thanks VisionLink, Inc., for its initial development of this data standard. 

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