More than 230 representatives from nonprofits and health leaders in the County will join together under one roof for the first ever Community Navigation summit.
The Healthcare Initiative Foundation is sponsoring the event on Tuesday. The all-day conference will take place at the Universities at Shady Grove.
Conference’s Goals
The goal of the conference is to address a number of major challenges facing the County. Some of the those problems include inflation, the losses of federal dollars from pandemic funding, a reduction in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and Medicaid renewal.
Crystal Carr Townsend, the President and CEO of the Healthcare Initiative Foundation, said “The Healthcare Initiative Foundation fully funded the summit and facilitated the planning because we know that our investments have a far greater impact through collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships. While many services and funding streams are siloed, the community we serve is not. Effective, accessible, and culturally responsive community navigation is paramount to improving the health and wellness for all.”
Public and Private Sector Leaders
The summit will bring together people from the public and private sector.
“Our County’s nonprofit and Health and Human Services leaders are the key to opening doors and paving the path to solutions,” Townsend said.
The community leaders will have the opportunity to attend a number of breakout sessions during the conference. Some of the topics include finding ways to battle and prevent food insecurity and homelessness. The conference also will address early child care and education, access to legal services, and wellness and behavioral health.
Townsend said the needs of many residents are at a critical point. Conference organizers hope by bringing people together from the nonprofit and public sectors these leaders will make important connections that will be positive, informative and long-lasting.
