CHAD Connection

This year’s CHAD/GPHDN annual conference, Health Centers: Sustain, Grow, Thrive, is more than just an event—it’s an essential gathering for everyone dedicated to the mission of community health.

Today, health centers face a unique blend of opportunities and challenges. As they work to provide quality care in a rapidly changing environment, it’s more important than ever to come together, share solutions, and learn from one another. This year’s conference offers the chance to do precisely that.

With a theme centered on sustainability, growth, and thriving into the future, the conference will explore key topics, like creating a workplace culture that people love, growing care management programs, and navigating financial uncertainty to boost health center revenue. Plus, you can hone your leadership skills and learn how to become the go-to employer in your community. Attendees will gain practical tools, fresh insights, and a renewed sense of direction to carry back to their teams and communities.

Beyond the content, the conference is a powerful opportunity for connection. It brings together leaders, staff, board members, and partners, creating space for collaboration, support, and shared inspiration.

Participation in this event reinforces a shared commitment to advancing community health and preparing for the road ahead. Make plans to attend and help shape what comes next for health centers. Early bird pricing ends tomorrow, Friday, April 18, so register today!

And, if you need a bit more encouragement, take a peek at the fun we had last year in Rapid City.

Join CHAD for an impactful webinar as we launch Medicaid Matters to Me, a campaign that illustrates the profound impact Medicaid has on everyone by uplifting the voices and lived experiences from those both directly and indirectly affected by Medicaid – whether as a beneficiary, care provider, employer, teacher, or community member. Learn about the tools and resources being developed to optimize storyteller experience and how stories educate and influence decision makers.

Health care professionals, advocates, business owners, teachers, and anyone who is passionate about strengthening the Medicaid program and advocating for its critical role in our communities are welcome to attend. Participants will learn how to effectively share personal and professional stories to highlight the importance of Medicaid and how these stories can drive real change in policy, funding, and public perception.

Monday, May 5 | 12:00 pm CT | 11:00 am MT

Community Health Centers of Central Wyoming (CHCCW) hosted a March Madness-style competition to boost motivation around improving UDS measure performance. March’s focus was the Tobacco Cessation measure, and inspired by the NCAA bracket, Chief Medical Officer Dr. H. Karl Radke suggested a tournament-style challenge. Using Azara data, providers were ranked based on smoking cessation rates. The bracket was updated regularly to reflect performance and ensure fairness. In a close finish between two family medicine providers, the winner was determined by fewer missed opportunities—11 compared to 19.

The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) is hosting a webinar titled "Legal Considerations for Health Center Advocacy & Lobbying" on May 1 from 2:00 – 3:15 pm CT / 1:00 – 2:15 pm MT. Feldesman Tucker, along with other experts in advocacy and lobbying, will lead the session. This webinar is designed for C-suite executives, board members, and PCA/HCCN leadership, and will also include valuable guidance for CFOs on coding time and using funds appropriately.

Please join us as we welcome Dr. Melissa Henke from Heartview Foundation in Bismarck, ND and Justin Alves, Nurse Practitioner from Boston Medical Center for their presentation "Compassionate Care for People Who Use Drugs: A Community Approach." Dr. Henke and Justin are experts in the field of addiction medicine and offer valuable insights into how we can best serve people who struggle with substance use. This free educational opportunity will highlight how to shatter the illusions of drug use, respond to both opioid and psychostimulant overdoses, prepare for large community events where an overdose may occur, and outline risk-reducing techniques to improve the safety of people who use drugs.

Registration is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served, so please RSVP.

Tuesday, May 13 | 5:30-7:00 pm MT | Hotel Alex Johnson in Rapid City, SD

For Alcohol Awareness Month, Spectra Health partnered with CHAD to create a powerful video featuring Licensed Addiction Counselors John Miller and Angie Jones. In the video, they share insights and words of wisdom about the impact of alcohol use and the importance of seeking support. With excessive alcohol use being one of the leading preventable causes of death in the U.S., the video aims to raise awareness and encourage healthier choices in the community.