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April 3,‌ 2025
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On March 8, it was announced that a winter storm could impact our area the following weekend. My immediate thought was, "Not again!" Around this same time last year, I had been preparing to attend the North Dakota HOSA Future Health Professionals Conference when a winter storm forced its cancellation. Fortunately, last year’s event was scheduled for a Saturday, and by Sunday, March 16, I was able to make the trip to Bismarck. Upon arrival, I stopped by Walmart to pick up my customary party pack of Rolos candy before heading to the Radisson Hotel in downtown Bismarck to set up my display. As I entered the conference center, it was buzzing with over 350 high school students from 25 chapters across the state.

You may be wondering, "What is HOSA, and why do I attend?" HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) is a student-led organization dedicated entirely to health care. It provides students with opportunities to explore careers in health care, develop leadership skills, and participate in specialized competitions. These competitions range from the HOSA Bowl and Anatomage Tournament to hands-on skill events such as CPR and First Aid, Phlebotomy, Clinical Nursing, and Dental Science. This year, I had the privilege of serving as a judge for several events and hosting a booth to represent the community health center mission. The maturity, excitement, and creativity displayed by these students gives me great hope for the future of our health care workforce.
 
Health Centers in the News
 
South Dakota Urban Indian Health’s Wo’Okiye Project, a partnership with the city of Sioux Falls, was featured in Sioux Falls Business. The street-based outreach program aims to connect people who lack stable housing with wraparound services and health care.

InForum reported that North Dakota passed HB 1473, a bill to prohibit drug manufacturers from imposing contract pharmacy restrictions on the 340B Drug Pricing program. The article noted that health centers benefit from the 340B Program.
 
Navigators in Action:
Supporting Our Community During Uncertain Times
CHAD’s Navigator team has been actively supporting individuals and families in need of health care access, particularly those affected by job loss. Recently, they participated in a resource event for nearly 300 laid-off employees from Cimpl’s Meat Plant, providing essential health care information and planning a follow-up event for ongoing support. Their outreach extends to libraries, schools, and conferences to reach diverse communities, overcoming language barriers through interpreter services.

Read the full story to see more about how Navigators are spreading awareness and ensuring uninterrupted health care access.
     
    We hope you’ll join us for the Community HealthCare Association of the Dakotas and Great Plains Health Data Network Annual Conference June 3-5 this year in Fargo, ND. The conference, themed "Health Centers: Sustain, Grow, Thrive" is your chance to connect with community health center colleagues for an inspiring few days of learning, collaboration, and networking.

    Take advantage of early bird pricing! But don’t wait—early bird registration closes on April 18!

    What to Expect at This Year’s Conference
    We have an exciting lineup of sessions designed to equip you with the latest strategies and insights to help your health center thrive. Tracks will cover a range of critical topics, including:
    • Finance: Strengthening Financial Foundations for FQHCs
    • Nurse-Led Chronic Disease Management
    • Leadership & Organizational Culture
    • Patient Access & Growth Strategies
    • Mastering the Media

    Spotlight on the Finance Track: Strengthening Financial Foundations for FQHCs
    Designed for CFOs, COOs, and billing and coding professionals, this track delivers expert-led sessions packed with practical tools and strategies to navigate financial challenges and drive long-term sustainability.

    Wednesday, June 4
    • Break-Even Analysis: Learn how to assess your health center’s financial viability with a tailored financial model.
    • Identifying Revenue Opportunities: Discover new ways to enhance your revenue streams and maximize financial efficiency.
    • Mastering Strategic Forecasting: Gain insights into predictive financial modeling to improve financial planning.

    Thursday, June 5
    • Competitive Compensation Packages: Explore strategies for attracting and retaining top talent while maintaining financial balance.

    Each session features hands-on tools, real-world case studies, and expert insights to help you optimize financial decision-making, ensure sustainability, and enhance operational efficiency.
    Finance sessions will be led by Amy Brisson from Community Link Consulting.

    Don’t Miss Out—Register Today!
    This is your opportunity to gain actionable strategies, connect with industry peers, and strengthen your organization’s financial future. Secure your spot now before early bird pricing ends on April 18!
       
       
      Telehealth Everywhere Conference
      Telehealth Everywhere is an annual regional telehealth conference for executives, providers, managers, and staff engaged in the operational aspects of telehealth. They focus on delivering information and experiences that will help drive your organization's telehealth program forward into the future while also providing foundational information for telehealth beginners.

      April 22-23  |  Bloomington, MN
       
       
      National Infant Immunization Week 2025: Protecting Our Future
      Every year, National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) highlights the importance of protecting infants and young children from vaccine-preventable diseases. NIIW will take place from April 21-28, bringing together health care professionals, parents, and public health organizations to promote immunization efforts and raise awareness about their critical role in children's health.

      Read the full story to find ways your organization can participate.
       
      Health Centers Represented on the American Cancer Society's
      External Advisory Group
      CHAD was nominated for The American Cancer Society’s External Advisory Group to gather insights and guidance on strategies and resources to support community health center’s cancer prevention and screening goals. The EAG is by invitation only and comprised of 12 to 15 individuals from organizations from across the US representing PCAs and CHCs.
       
      Demystifying Data Using the Transitions of Care
      It can be difficult to access information and manage care transitions in the primary care setting for patients who have recently been in the emergency room or admitted for inpatient care. DRVS’ Transitions of Care module works to make this knowledge less elusive and more accessible to health centers, empowering them to effectively manage and track patient care and follow up on hospital utilization. Join this webinar to learn more about using DRVS to understand why your patients are using the ED and successfully connect patients to needed services for ongoing monitoring, education and support. This webinar is recommended for centers with the transitions of care module and staff responsible for managing care transitions and coordination.  

      Tuesday, April 8
      12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT
      Register here
      Transitions of Care Lunch N’ Learn
      Join Azara for a hands-on review of the Transitions of Care module! Catch up on last week's webinar and come with your questions. During this hour, Azara will be fielding Q&As from attendees working to implement and operationalize the module, as well as from attendees who hope to learn more about it.

      Thursday, April 10
      1:00 pm CT/12:00 pm MT
      Register here
      Population Health Tools in DRVS
      In this webinar Azara will lay the foundation for success in understanding how data can be leveraged to support the needs of the patients, populations, and communities served by practices on DRVS. Join to learn more about many of DRVS' most unsung heroes - registries, care effectiveness reports, and pediatric reports - and how they can support you in advancing your population health goals. This webinar is recommended for team members responsible for identifying and tracking key populations. This might include the care team, population health, care coordination, care management, users with Admin privileges, among others.

      Tuesday, April 15
      12:00 pm CT/11:00 am MT
      Register here
       
      Find these and other events on the CHAD website.
       
       
       
       
       
      This account is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,423,637.00 with 0 percent financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.

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