ACU 2024 Pre-Conference Workshops

From August 4-7 at the Westin Washington, DC Downtown in the heart of Washington, D.C., ACU’s 2024 Conference “Envisioning a More Equitable Future: Advancing Stakeholder-Centered Innovation,” will unite hundreds of healthcare clinicians, administrators, advocates, and public health leaders from across the U.S., all with an interest in expanding access to care and improving healthcare delivery for medically underserved populations. We’re excited offer four Pre-Conference Workshops taking place on August 4. These half-day seminars will kick off an outstanding program featuring 20+ CME-accredited workshops, engaging keynote addresses, multiple networking opportunities, and more!

Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: Interrogating Our Work: Perspectives on Social Drivers of Health and Disability

9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Meeting Room 2

Today, it is well established that social drivers of health have a greater influence on patient health outcomes than the medical care they receive in the healthcare setting. To improve health outcomes and eliminate health disparities, health centers are increasingly using assessment tools to better understand social factors impacting health. However, these tools tend to pathologize patients as a constellation of problems that need to be “fixed.” What if we reframed the way we assess social needs by focusing on what brings each patient joy and fulfillment? During the first part of this workshop, participants will discuss a framework that offers a more aspirational and empowered approach to understanding and supporting patient needs.

Building on the first part of the workshop, participants will interrogate the medical model of disability, which views people who have disabilities as needing to be “fixed” to thrive in society. The social model of disability offers an alternative perspective in which people with disabilities are already fully capable of engaging in and thriving in society but are prevented from doing so due to social barriers. As such, it is not the person that needs to be fixed, but the social environment.

This workshop applies a justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) lens to the current healthcare mindset and practice as it relates to social drivers of health and disability. All levels of clinicians, staff, students, educators, and advocates will find this workshop valuable to their work. We hope you will join us for this energizing, insightful, and thought-provoking event.

Workforce: Pouring from a Full Cup: Organizational Wellbeing Planning & Implementation

1-4 p.m. | Ballroom Salon F

In the ever-evolving landscape of health center organizational success, the significance of holistic well-being cannot be overstated. Join seasoned experts from ACU’s diverse workforce teams in this immersive pre-conference workshop, where we explore the complexities of fostering and maintaining a workplace that prioritizes the well-being and vitality of its providers and staff. Titled “Pouring from a Full Cup,” this workshop emphasizes comprehensive organizational well-being, addressing crucial pillars such as emotional, physical, financial, and communication well-being.

Participants will engage in interactive sessions designed to guide them through the development and implementation of a thoughtful and effective organizational well-being plan. Additionally, the workshop will delve into the principles of creating a trauma-informed organization, equipping participants with strategies to recognize, understand, and respond to trauma in the workplace.The trauma-informed segment will provide insights into the impact of trauma on employees, outline guiding principles for a trauma-informed approach, and offer practical steps for integrating supportive policies and practices within your organization.By equipping your organization with the tools and strategies needed to ensure your team not only functions but thrives, you can pave the way for sustained success and excellence. Join us on this transformative journey towards achieving organizational excellence, where your team’s well-being is the foundation of your organizational prosperity.

Unlocking Sustainable Funding: Strategies for Aligning Medicaid with Medical-Legal Partnership

In Partnership with the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnership | 1-4 p.m. | Ballroom Salon F

Medical-Legal Partnerships (MLPs) stand as allies in addressing the social determinants of health among Medicaid beneficiaries and providers. However, the challenge lies in sustaining their invaluable services amidst funding constraints. This workshop is tailored to empower MLP practitioners with actionable strategies and tools geared towards tapping into the potential of Medicaid to forge a sustainable path forward.

Explore the landscape of coding, billing intricacies, policy nuances, and collaborative partnerships essential for navigating Medicaid reimbursement effectively. Through hands-on resources and interactive sessions, participants will glean practical insights to not only secure sustainable funding but also to expand service offerings and champion health equity initiatives within their communities.

By the end of this workshop, attendees will emerge equipped with a clear vision and a robust framework for aligning Medicaid with the objectives of Medical-Legal Partnerships.