A new, centralized data platform is now available to make public and community health facts across Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago counties accessible, easy to use, and actionable. This new resource is an evolution of the Fox Cities LIFE Study, created in 2001 and co-led by the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and United Way Fox Cities, with support from multiple key partners over the years.   

The Fox Valley Data Exchange (FVDEX) platform was created to be a valuable resource to help raise awareness and understanding of complex local issues and spark data-driven decisions that improve community health and wellbeing for all. FVDEX users will include public officials, businesses, nonprofit organizations, foundations, educational institutions, healthcare providers, public health agencies, religious organizations, and more. 

Jason Schulist, Executive Director of Fox Valley Data Exchange

“The Fox Valley Data Exchange is a one-stop shop for our entire tri-county area,” said Jason Schulist, Executive Director of the Fox Valley Data Exchange, during a public launch event October 15 at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton. “Most of the data drills all the way down to the census tract so we can pinpoint community investment opportunities. Any community member can easily download charts and graphs with one click to see the wellbeing of our communities.”    

Rachel Podoski, President of the Fox Valley Data Exchange Board, said, “The Fox Valley Data Exchange is a major leap forward, building on over 20 years of experience with the Fox Cities LIFE Study. The Data Exchange is bigger, better, and more up-to date, covering a footprint of Calumet, Outagamie, and Winnebago Counties. 

About the Fox Valley Data Exchange 

• Combines data from more than 30 public and private sector sources, providing insights into more than 100 community metrics across seven Vital Conditions for Wellbeing. 
• Updates data automatically as soon as it’s made available by the source. 
• Provides the ability to easily create charts and graphs with a single click, download data for analysis, and access continuously updated local data to help guide informed community decisions. 
• Uses Metopio, its provider for the website and for national and state data sources. 

The Data Exchange is currently funded with support from the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region with grants from its Community Vison Fund and David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund, United Way Fox Cities, Thrivent, U.S. Venture, ThedaCare, Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, Oshkosh Area United Way, Lawrence University, and Oshkosh Corporation. Fundraising is ongoing.

How to Get Involved 

• Engage with the Fox Valley Data Exchange online, use it in community decision-making, and help spread the word about it.   
• Learn how to volunteer, donate, and stay connected here.  
• Contact Jason Schulist, Executive Director, with questions at [email protected].