Ken Lalime

Chief Executive Officer

Last week, CHCACT hosted its first organization-wide conference, the Community Health Summit.

Over 200 participants – from health centers, other community-based organizations and other partners – had an opportunity to expand their knowledge and relationships and generate some innovative ideas. We were thrilled to be welcomed by our Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, a former health care provider herself. Our plenary session included an interview with Frances Padilla of the Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut, who spoke about today’s health care environment in CT, as well as the history of the movement for universal health coverage, and what the future holds. Participants also chose three of twelve breakout sessions, including topics such as hospital-health center partnerships, integrating oral health into primary care, how geomapping can be used towards better population health, ensuring data privacy in a digital era and more. And we were all entertained by a performance from Sea Tea Improv.

CHCACT also showcased health care achievements through our Practice Transformation Network program. Our health centers have been nationally recognized both for their work in transforming their care delivery and for improved health outcomes. At the end of the conference, CHCACT presented the Katrina Clark Award, recognizing outstanding contributions to community health and quality improvement, to Optimus Health Care.

On Saturday, CHCACT hosted a retreat for CT health center board members, providing a chance for board members from different health centers to come together, to learn from experts and from each other. Sessions included information about health center finances, the new compliance manual, fostering creativity, leadership skills and more! And a big thanks to Kate McEvoy, for sharing her morning with us, to talk about our state Medicaid program, the Affordable Care Act and more. Kate is the Director of the State of CT Department of Social Services’ Division of Health Services.

A big thanks to our sponsors who helped make the Summit and the Retreat possible! You can view photos from both days here; presentations will be posted soon on the CHCACT web site.

Have a great week,

Ken.