IDEL Associates Debuts Change Management Abstract at NACHC P&I

Our team recently had the privilege of attending—and presenting at—the 2026 NACHC Policy and Issues Forum, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Maryland. As first-time participants, this experience was both energizing and impactful, offering a unique opportunity to engage in national policy discussions while contributing our own perspective through the Vital Link workshop.

A Forum Focused on Policy and Impact

The Forum brought together health center leaders, policymakers, and advocates to address the evolving landscape of community health. A central theme was the 2026 Consolidated Appropriations Act, which includes $4.6 billion in funding for community health centers—underscoring their essential role in delivering accessible, high-quality care.

We also engaged with peers and leaders during sessions and networking events, including conversations with Kara Odom Walker of Aetna on strengthening Medicaid partnerships, and insights from the “Head to the Hill” session featuring Bernie Sanders on effective advocacy strategies.

Featured Presentation: The Vital Link

A defining moment of the Forum for us was co-presenting “The Vital Link: Health Centers Connecting Stakeholders & Communities.” alongside Rashad A. Collins from Unity Health Care, Inc. This session focused on how health centers can act as the “vital link” between diverse stakeholders—bridging internal teams, external partners, and the communities they serve. We explored:

• The importance of stakeholder alignment in achieving strategic goals

• Key dynamics that influence health center performance and collaboration

• The role of change management in navigating complex healthcare environments

Through a real-world case study, we demonstrated how applying structured change management approaches can strengthen a health center’s ability to lead, adapt, and deliver meaningful community impact.

Continuing the Momentum

Attending the 2026 NACHC Policy and Issues Forum reinforced the importance of collaboration, advocacy, and innovation in advancing community health. We are grateful for the opportunity to share our work, learn from national leaders, and build lasting connections.

We look forward to continuing this momentum at the Community Health Institute and Expo 2026 this August and beyond.