2024 Policy & Issues Forum

Prepare to engage in a dynamic conversation as we dive into the world of innovation within the community health center system. Our expert panel, featuring representatives from FQHCs, HCCNs, and innovation officers at both state and federal levels, invites you to be an active participant in this thought-provoking exchange. Together, we'll explore how innovation flows through the intricate web of community health systems, from local initiatives to nationwide policies. This discussion will draw insights from NACHC's Innovation Incubator, highlighting how external models can be leveraged to inspire and implement innovation at the local health center level. By adopting a systems thinking approach, we aim to identify emerging trends and challenges tied to innovation for community health centers. This session is designed to be an active participation session. Come ready to participate in the discussion. Join us to engage with thought leaders, share your insights, and collectively bridge local initiatives to create a national impact in community health centers.

Health Centers receive the majority of their funding, policy support, and programmatic direction through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).  However, a small cadre of health centers and primary care associations have started applying for funding disbursed to state and local agencies. This session will feature health centers and primary care associations that have learned how to access funds that are disbursed by state economic development boards and labor departments to support their workforce development initiatives.  Come and hear how these health centers and PCAs are meeting their workforce needs by tapping into funding from state and local partners.  

Have you heard about value-based payment and transformation but you’re not sure what it is? Designed for new health center board members or members looking for a refresher, this session will cover the fundamentals of “payment reform” which involves some payers such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, some state Medicaid payment, and some insurance companies shifting away from volume-based payment to value-based payments. The session will explain the concepts in easy-to-understand terms and participants will have a chance to hear from a health center board leader whose board is experienced with value-based transformation and the role of the board.  

Sponsored by: Exact Sciences

Welcome and Chair of the Board Remarks Paloma Hernandez, MS, MPH, Chair, NACHC Board of Directors and President and CEO, Urban Health Plan, Inc. NACHC President and CEO Remarks Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO, NACHC Presenter Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Fireside Chat Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, Administrator, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Michael R. Taylor, Chair-Elect, NACHC Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Cornell Scott-Hill Health Center Grassroots Advocacy Panel Moderator: Aaron Todd, MPP, MHCDS, Parliamentarian/ Region VII Representative, NACHC Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer, Iowa Primary Care Association, InConcertCare, IowaHealth+ Panelists: Carlos Aguilera, Associate Director of Civic Engagement, California Primary Care Association Yamilet Valladolid, Director of Government and Community Affairs, Golden Valley Health Center Julie DiRossi-King, President and CEO, Ohio Association of Community Health Centers Charleta B. Tavares, Chief Executive Officer, PrimaryOne Health