2018 Annual Conference Wrap-Up
This year's theme, The Next Era of Community Health, proved to be a great reflection of where we are going as an organization and the direction of our work. CPCA and our members continue to look to the future, at how we can be forward-thinking and stretch the boundaries of health care delivery -- making our communities healthier, stronger, and enriched.
CHC leadership, staff, supporters, and key stakeholders from throughout the state and country gathered in Sacramento on October 4-5 to discuss critical issues that impact California’s CHCs and the patients they serve. Throughout the two days, attendees took advantage of more than a dozen breakout sessions that featured presentations on Policy & Advocacy, Clinical & Care Innovations, Business Innovations, and Strategic Leadership.
In addition to the incredible educational content, this year's tradeshow hosted over 85 exhibitors and sponsors and incorporated the look and feel of a local community street festival. Attendees enjoyed many fun extras, including the "Screen on the Green" video lounge, interactive graphic artist, #CHCsRock rock painting, "food truck" treats, and the ever-popular massage chairs!
Thursday kicked-off with welcoming remarks by Carmela Castellano-Garcia, Esq., President & CEO, CPCA and Kimberly Chang, MD, Family Physician, Asian Health Services; Incoming Board of Directors Vice-Speaker of the House, NACHC.
This year's General Session featured Naomi Fuchs, CEO, Santa Rosa Community Health (SRCH) as she shared lessons learned in the immediate aftermath of the Santa Rosa wildfires and the last year of rebuilding. While struggling with the emotional and physical devastation around them, SRCH stood strong to support their staff, their patients, and their communities.
During Thursday's Partnership Celebration & Awards Ceremony, CPCA honored and celebrated community health leaders with our Hero and Clinic Legacy Awards, recognizing and honoring those who have provided leadership and expertise to the CHC field:
2018 Hero Award
Herrmann Spetzler (in memoriam) Open Door Community Health Centers
2018 Clinic Legacy Awardees
Bruce Hebets, Borrego Health
Charles E. Range, South of Market Health Center
Robin Affrime, CommuniCare Health Centers
Dr. Bechara Choucair from Kaiser Permanente addressed Thursday's lunch attendees on the long-standing partnership between Kaiser and California's CHCs. Thank you to Dr. Choucair, Kaiser, and the Regional Consortia for all that you do and for your ongoing and shared commitment to community health.
Friday's closing general session began with thanking CPCA's 2017-2018 Board Chair, Scott McFarland, CEO, Western Sierra Medical Clinic, for his leadership during his term, and welcoming CPCA's 2018-2019 Board Chair, Kerry Hydash, President & CEO, Family HealthCare Network.
Friday's closing speaker was Sara Rosenbaum, JD, Harold and Jane Hirsh Professor of Health Law and Policy, Milken Institute School of Public Health, George Washington University. Professor Rosenbaum discussed the current state of health care for the underserved and how California health centers are playing a critical leadership role on key issues such as women's health and immigrant rights. Professor Rosenbaum closed her speech by emphasizing the importance of health centers embracing their social justice advocacy roots to continue to lead the movement to a more fair, just, and accessible health care system.
We hope you had an opportunity to enjoy CPCA’s video showcase on the Screen on the Green. CPCA has taken an active role in video strategy in recent years to inform, educate, and inspire health center staff, our partners, and our communities. In order to sustain a successful campaign, we would appreciate your support of our video strategy. All you need to do is subscribe to our YouTube channel HERE.
During the reception Thursday night we showcased our 2019 video contest, “Beyond These Walls”. There are big prizes to be won! Take a moment to learn more about this exciting opportunity.