The final program has gone to the printer and the Community Health Institute (CHI) & Expo is just around the corner! The national conference of health center leaders takes place in sunny San Diego. This year’s theme, America’s Health Centers: Adding Value to the Healthcare Equation, emphasizes health centers’ continued efforts to sustain and deliver on their successful track record while navigating an ever evolving healthcare environment.
The conference will be full of education sessions, that include a range of topics, such as clinical, management, and policy. There are also opportunities to network with peers, hear from experts, and learn the latest update from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Also, on the agenda will be Peer-to-Peer Networking Sessions. These 90 minute education sessions are designed to be interactive, small-group learning experiences where participants can exchange ideas and network on issues that are relevant to health centers. We are also bringing back the T3 (Timely Twenty-Minute Tips) sessions. These 20 minute trainings present quick and easy tips, ideas, and best practices that health centers can learn today to implement tomorrow.
Attendees will also get to hear from Keynote Speaker Thomas Tighe, Direct Relief President and CEO. Under his stewardship, Direct Relief has provided cash grants of more than $35 million and furnished more than $2 .2 billion essential medicines, equipment, and supplies to support health services for low-income people in 88 developing countries and in all 50 state. Direct Relief, which operates the largest nonprofit charitable medicines program, has been a lifeline for health centers battered by natural disasters, such as hurricanes, deadline tornados and wildfires, providing them with grants, medical supplies and other assistance.
Also speaking during a general session at the CHI will be Peter V. Long, Ph.D., President and CEO of Blue Shield of California Foundation. Dr. Long has served in leadership roles at both the Kaiser Family Foundation and The California Endowment and has an extensive background in health policy working on issues affecting underserved communities at the state, national, and global levels.
And of course there is always the opportunity to win great prizes at the CHI. This year attendees can again enjoy a good game of “NACHCopoly” while networking with colleagues and exhibitors at the CHI Expo. Another way to win is to join the online conversation using the #NACHCchi14 hashtag. The more times you Tweet the better your chances to win an American Express gift card. You can also win by playing the UHC Solutions sponsored “Snap and Post” contest. Look for the magician photo cutout at the CHI reception, snap a photo with a friend and tweet it using the #NACHCchi14 hashtag.
Stay tuned for more information on the CHI! Haven’t registered yet? Register today!