Bethesda, MD—The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) and HLTH, Inc. are joining forces to advance health equity across our health system by leveraging the unique lens and impact of the Community Health Center Movement. As the leading national voice for Community Health Centers (CHCs), NACHC will collaborate with HLTH, Inc. to inspire thought leadership around primary care, drive innovation, catalyze partnerships, and advance primary care and health equity across the health system. As our nation’s largest primary care network with a workforce of over 310K, CHCs serve over 32.5 million patients or 1 in 10 across over 16K locations in rural, urban, frontier, suburban, mountain, and island communities. Together, they represent an annual spend of greater than $46 billion in 2023, with a projected growth to at least $55 billion in 2025—which is 1-2% of all US healthcare spending to serve 10% of the US population with comprehensive, integrated primary care that also addresses the social drivers of health.
“NACHC is grateful to partner with HLTH, Inc., and be part of a dynamic community of more than 10,000 leaders and change-makers representing various sectors across the health system,” said Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, President and CEO of NACHC. “As we work together to build a better and more equitable health system, it is essential to bring the diverse voices, power of local communities, and the innovations of community health center leaders to the table.”
“As the leading convener for the health innovation community and impact-driven initiatives, HLTH, Inc. is grateful to partner with NACHC to ensure that health centers are not just at the table but also leading efforts and collaborating to advance innovations. These innovations prioritize and deliver primary care and health equity for all, particularly for the high-need communities served by community health centers with their local, patient-governed boards,” said Rich Scarfo, President of HLTH, Inc.
NACHC is advancing the partnership at the HLTH conference in Las Vegas, NV, with content sessions that include the following:
Community Health Center Essentials: Delivering Primary Care and Health Equity for All
October 20, 9 am-10:30 am
A panel discussion about Community Health Centers and their impact as the largest primary care network serving one in 10 people nationwide. Here’s an opportunity to network with leaders from one of the most innovative, diverse and resilient systems in the health delivery system, with an annual spend of greater than $46 billion that is projected to grow to $55 billion next year, representing 1 to 2 percent of all U.S. healthcare spending.
Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers
Ben Harvey, CEO, Indiana Primary Care Association
Julia Liou, CEO, Asian Health Services (CA)
Faith Polkey, MD, MPH, CEO, Beaufort Jasper Hampton Comprehensive Health Services (SC)
Andrew Hamilton, CMIO, AllianceChicago
Nurse-Led Care Models Transforming Healthcare Delivery
October 20, 9:30-10:10 am
The increased demand for more individualized and convenient care is leading to a shift away from provider-driven healthcare models. Aging populations, a higher incidence of chronic diseases, resource constraints are driving toward more value-based healthcare.
October 20, 9:30-10:10 am
Sarah Price, MSN-Ed, RN, Director, Public Health Integration, NACHC
Jing Wang, MPH, RN, FAAN, Florida State University College of Nursing
Sherene Schlegel, Providence
Dr. Stephen Ferrara, FNP-BC, FAANP, President, American College of Nurse Practitioners
Venture Opportunities in Medicaid’s Safety Net
October 20, 11:00am-12:30pm
Explore the untapped market of Medicaid’s safety net in this intimate discussion designed for investors.
Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers
Dan Gebremedhin, Partner, Flare Capital
Julia Liou, MPH, Chief Executive Officer, Asian Health Services
Lee Shapiro, Managing Partner, 7wireVentures
Meera Mani, Partner, TownHall Ventures LLC
Nutrition at Your Fingertips
Tuesday October 22, 10:40-11 am
Diet-related diseases are threatening the well-being of millions and straining America’s healthcare system. Join the discussion on how innovative strategies can be leveraged to expand access from local to national levels.
Moderator, Kyu Rhee, MD, MPP, CEO, National Association of Community Health Centers
Jim Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Human Foods, FDA
Sarah Mastrorocco, Vice President & General Manager of Health, Instacart
Health Center Exchange Office Hours
Monday, October 21, 2:30 to 4 pm
Come talk with Community Health Center leaders and explore partnership opportunities with us.
Health Center Exchange Office Hours
Tuesday, October 22, 1:30 to 3 pm
Come talk with Community Health Center leaders and explore partnership opportunities with us.
NACHC TechQuity Tank
Wednesday, October 23, 10:15 to 11:15 am
Community Health Centers are the backbone of primary care in America, serving one in 10 people. As innovative organizations look to revolutionize primary care and meet the needs of the underserved, partnering with health centers is essential. Through this inaugural session of “TechQuity[1] Tank” at HLTH, Inc, companies will deliver interactive pitches and attendees will learn key factors that health centers consider when selecting partners of choice. The following companies were invited to demonstrate how their solutions can advance TechQuity and meet the diverse needs of health center patients: The Garage, TytoCare, and EliseAI.
About the National Association of Community Health Centers
NACHC is the leading innovative change agent collaborating with affiliates and partners to advance Community Health Centers as the foundation of an equitable health care system free from disparities and built on accessible, patient-governed, high-quality, integrated primary care.
[1] “What is TechQuity?”: https://muse.jhu.edu/article/789652