Best Kept Secrets in Health Care: Innovation at Community Health Centers

Community Health Centers (CHCs) comprise the largest network of primary care providers in the nation, serving over 32.5 million – 1 in 10 people – across the United States, US territories, and US Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). CHCs have been trusted partners in communities throughout the nation since 1965. Still, many powerful players in health care know little about the innovative care delivery model driving CHC success and growth under resource-scarce conditions. This session will feature CHCs driving some of the best innovations in the nation’s health system – from patient governance and affordable pricing to hyper-local partnerships that address social drivers of health. Panelists will discuss the secret sauce of CHC innovations that empower health centers to address health beyond the exam room and ensure patients have access to the Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being: access to primary care and healthy foods, housing, employment, education, transportation, and a healthy environment. Moderator: Rita Lewis, Director, Value Based Care, National Association of Community Health Centers Panelists: Julia Liou, CEO, Asian Health Services Richard Thompson, Business Development, Patient Advocate Foundation Dr. Marico Howe, Chief Quality and Informatics Officer, Community Health Centers of Arkansas 1.