Annual Conference

Hybrid Event November 13-18, 2022

The VAFCC's Annual Conference was an asynchronous hybrid event with in-person content offered November 13-15 at the Westin Richmond and virtual content offered November 16-18. It is the premier educational and networking meeting for Virginia’s free and charitable clinics, their safety net partners, and healthcare advocates.
 

Schedule

Sunday, November 13 (In-Person)

3:00-4:00pm Pre-Conference Clinic Tours (Optional)
Kick off the conference by visiting one of several area free and charitable clinics for a tour of their facilities. Participating clinics include:

• CrossOver Healthcare Ministry (Henrico Clinic)
• GoochlandCares
• Health Brigade

6:00-8:00pm Conference Registration Opens/Exhibits
Our exhibitors this year include a variety of industry supporters and vendors. Scroll down to learn more and be sure to stop by their exhibits both when in-person or online via our conference platform.  

6:45-7:15pm Do the Hustle! Discussion Disco
Reconnect with some groovy networking in a relaxed yet structured environment while enjoying some classic tunes in this funky twist on speed networking.

7:30-8:30pm Welcome Reception
A convening of free and charitable clinics, their safety net partners, and healthcare advocates for an evening of socialization, we'll spotlight the tremendous role Virginia’s clinics have played in not only the individual lives of underserved Virginians but also the overall health of the Commonwealth.   

8:30-9:30pm S'more Social
Continue the conversations and enjoy some hot beverages & sweet treats around lit fire pits in the courtyard.

 

Monday, November 14 (In-Person)

7:30-8:30am Breakfast

• 8:15-8:30am Featured Remarks on Applying an Equity Lens to Virginia's Public Health with Kathryn Crosby, Virginia Department of Health
  • ​Kathryn Crosby, MBA, joined the Virginia Department of Health in October 2021 as the agency’s inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Officer. In this capacity, she is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies and efforts for the agency. Additionally, she oversees public health equity programs and operations within the Office of Health Equity, and partners closely with managerial leadership throughout Central Office and the Local Health Districts as a key resource to enhance and guide DEI and health equity for the agency. As the Chief DEI Officer, Kathryn manages the transformational change necessary to establish and/or improve DEI agency-wide while fostering a vision for advancing the agency’s mission and nurturing an equitable & inclusive workplace infrastructure and environment. Kathryn received both her bachelor’s degree and MBA from Averett University in Danville, Virginia, and her Master of Human Relations, concentration in Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice, from the University of Oklahoma. She earned her graduate certificate in Industrial & Organizational (I/O) Psychology from Grand Canyon University and completed Cornell University’s Diversity & Inclusion certificate program.

8:00-5:00pm Conference Lounge Opens/Exhibits
New this year, enjoy dedicated space to relax featuring comfy furniture, calming lighting, and mood music!

8:45-10:15am Breakout One

• Investing in Value-Driven Care for Improved Patient Outcomes Panel
  • Higher value care has emerged as an essential approach to practicing medicine with a greater focus on improving quality and patient outcomes while also reducing the cost of care. The benefits of implementing higher value care extend to patients, providers, and the community. In this session, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of higher value care and explore some real-world applications in free and charitable clinics. Speakers include:
    • Julie Bilodeau, Executive Director, CrossOver Healthcare Ministry
    • Maribeth Sheehan, Executive Director, Loudoun Free Clinic
    • Karen Shiner, Director, Health Quality Innovators
    • Stephen Horan, CEO, Community Health Solutions (moderator)
• A New Era of Behavioral Health Access, Delivery & Support Panel
  • The past two years have ignited new challenges and unleashed new opportunities in accelerating the access, delivery, and quality of behavioral health solutions. Promoting and providing resources for behavioral and mental health has become more critical than ever. In this session, we’ll explore innovative and effective approaches that are moving the needle in creating affordable and accessible services and treatment for mental and behavioral health-related challenges. Speakers include:
    • Christine Wright, Behavioral Health Program Manager, Bradley Free Clinic
    • Muriel Azria-Evans, Director of Mental Health & Wellness, Health Brigade
    • Debbie Oswalt, Executive Director, Virginia Health Care Foundation
    • Mara Servaites, Executive Director, Virginia Telehealth Network
    • Rebecca Sutter, Director, Mason & Partners Clinics (moderator)

10:15-10:45am Break

10:45 12:15pm Breakout Two

• The Next Normal of Human Resource Management with Lindsey O-Pries, The Spark Mill
  • The coronavirus has become one of the greatest accelerators for workplace transformation in our lifetime. During this session, we’ll dive into trends that experts in the field are seeing in this next normal of career transitions, working remotely, working online, and building resilience and inclusiveness in the workplace. 
• Medicaid Updates & the Public Health Emergency Unwinding with DMAS and Virginia MCOs
  • Virginia Medicaid will return to its normal enrollment process for health care coverage following the end of the federal Public Health Emergency which is anticipated in early 2023. At that time, the eligibility of more than 2 million Virginians will be redetermined. During this unwinding of Medicaid, clinics will be called upon to support and assist those who find themselves in flux. In this session, representatives from DMAS and Virginia’s Managed Care Organizations will be on hand to discuss changes and updates as well as ways in which clinics can be good partners.
    • Adrienne Fegans, DMAS
    • Cindy Olson, DMAS
    • Natalie Pennywell, DMAS
    • Ajah Amos, UnitedHealthcare
    • Bernard Christmas, Anthem HealthKeepers Plus
    • Randy Ricker, Optima Health
    • Paula Starnes, Aetna Better Health
    • Angela Taylor, Molina Healthcare
    • Kaine Toomey, Virginia Premier
    • Sara Cariano, Enroll Virginia (moderator)

12:15-1:30pm Lunch

• 1:00-1:30pm Featured Remarks on DSS & Collaborating with the Safety Net with Danny Avula, Virginia Department of Social Services
  • ​Danny TK Avula, MD, MPH, is the Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Social Services.  He spent 2021 leading Virginia’s unprecedented COVID-19 vaccination effort, and helping Virginia become one of the top ten most vaccinated states in the country.  Prior to that, he served as the Director of the Richmond City and Henrico County Health Departments. Dr. Avula is a public health physician specializing in pediatrics and preventive medicine, and continues to practice clinically as a Pediatric Hospitalist. After graduating from the University of Virginia, he earned his medical degree from Virginia Commonwealth University. He completed residencies at VCU and Johns Hopkins University, where he also earned a Master of Public Health. He is an Affiliate Faculty member at VCU, where he regularly serves as an advisor and preceptor to graduate and medical students. Dr. Avula was appointed to the State Board of Social Services from 2013-2021, and he served as Board Chair from 2017 to 2019. He is also a former Board Chair of the Richmond Memorial Health Foundation. He has been named one of Richmond’s “Top Docs'' annually since 2013, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Virginia Center for Inclusive Community’s Humanitarian Award, a Richmond Times-Dispatch Person of the Year honoree in 2019, and Style Weekly's "Richmonder of the Year" in 2020.

1:30-3:00pm Breakout Three

• ABCs of an Inclusive Workplace: Active Bystander Cultures with Jacquie Johnson, Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities​
  • Have you ever witnessed an uncomfortable encounter in a professional context and wished you knew how to intervene? As demographics in the workplace become more diverse, organizations are increasingly grappling with this question. In this workshop, participants will explore the concept and best practices of an active bystander culture that prevents and effectively addresses bias in the workplace. Attendees will leave with increased knowledge about bystander intervention strategies and tangible skills to speak up and speak out.
• Empathy Mapping for New Patient Recruitment with Sarah Milston, The Spark Mill 
  • ​Empathy mapping has been in constant use with corporations and start-ups for years – but what if we used it as a tool to help staff and volunteers better empathize with their patients? When we empathize with patients, we are able to get to the heart of what really matters and better understand their key motivations for seeking services leading to improved new patient recruitment and acquisition.

3:00-3:30pm Break

3:30-4:30pm General Session on Addressing Social Determinants of Health around the Commonwealth

Free and charitable clinics have long focused on social determinants of health, which are the conditions in the socio-economic environment that affect a wide range of health, functioning, and quality-of-life outcomes. Statewide partners who are committed to improving population health are also now focusing on social determinants of health. In this session, we’ll gain a statewide perspective as well as dive into a robust coordinated care platform and network for health and social service providers that’s proving effective in addressing social determinants through partner referrals and key data.

 

Tuesday, November 15 (In-Person)

7:30-8:45am: Breakfast

8:00-11:00am: Exhibits

9:00-10:30am: Closing Plenary on Thriving Through the Great Resignation: Finding Success in Turbulent Times with Dr. Holly A Sullenger, Dr. Holly Speaks, LLC

“The Great Resignation.” We all know the phrase; it has greatly impacted many different businesses and industries. How is an organization to survive this phenomenon? Innovative recruiting and retention strategies, coupled with an approach that continually energizes and engages employees, will help organizations form and maintain functional and successful teams. This interactive seminar will help participants find creative and innovative ways to thrive in spite of “The Great Resignation.” Participants will create an action plan as a takeaway. Bring your ideas and your questions! We'll be sure to cover:

• The Stats – What does this mean to my organization?
• The Reasons – Why can’t I find and/or keep great people?
• Innovative recruiting strategies for success in today’s fickle market
• Creative retention tactics for long-term growth
• Unique ways to engage and energize your team

 

10:30-11:00am: Conference Wrap-Up & Raffle

11:30-3:00pm: Mental Health & Resilience Workshop (Alternative Registration Required)
Acknowledging the role and recognizing the heavy burden placed on our member clinics’ serving at the frontline of COVID for the last two years, the VAFCC is pleased to offer mental health training to support and sustain the wellbeing and resiliency of clinic staff. Space is limited for his three-hour, deep-dive session and interested participants will need to register separately as space is limited. Lunch provided. 

11:30-1:30pm: Business Meeting (Member Clinics Only)
Annual meeting of the membership providing the opportunity to bring members together to share knowledge, make decisions, and to advance our work. Lunch provided. 

1:30-3:00pm VAFCC Board Meeting (VAFCC Board Members Only)

 

Wednesday, November 16 (Virtual)

9:00-10:00am: The Role of the Board in Today's Fundraising Climate (Development Track) with Hilary Fulp, The Curtis Group

• Today more than ever nonprofit boards are expected to raise significant amounts of money. The Curtis Group’s extensive work with nonprofits has provided us the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of nonprofit boards of different sizes and levels of experience. This presentation will bring that experience to the table and help participants better understand:
  • How successful nonprofit boards operate
  • The key traits to look for in potential board members
  • The board’s role in major gift fundraising
  • How to orient the board and prepare them for their role in fundraising
  • The importance of board leadership and why it is essential to successful fundraising

12:00-1:00pm: Medical Spanish Crash Course (Clinical Care Track) with Dr. Tamara Rios, The Maven Project

• Learn to communicate with your Spanish speaking patients in a correct and efficient manner in this session which includes simple straight forward grammar explanations and medical terminology along with cultural nuances that arise in the medical setting with your Latino patients. Key tips and phrases are provided, which will teach you introductions, greetings, leave-takings, and general phrases; present medical terminology and cognates in Spanish; provide you with the KEY POWER VERBS allowing you to ask pertinent questions and give instructions; improve rapport and engagement with Latino patients; and promote preventive care. This approach is highly suitable for those with limited time who would like to build rapport and trust with their Latino patients in an efficient manner in Spanish. 

3:00-4:00pm: Leveraging Data for Free & Charitable Clinic Governance & Management (Operations Track) with Tom Morley, Snowflake LLC

• Do you know how well your clinic is performing? Many clinics don’t, at least not beneath the surface. They may know how many patients they’re seeing and keep up with their budgets, but they can’t talk about things like service outcomes, patient satisfaction, cost per patient, clinical protocol utilization, infrastructure efficiency, and other key indicators of clinic health. When they don’t track and monitor these kinds of data, boards and Executive Directors can’t always recognize needs, challenges, and opportunities that will make their clinics better, make informed decisions, and take effective actions that will ensure clinic sustainability and high levels of high performance, and do more for the communities they serve.

 

Thursday, November 17 (Virtual)

9:00-10:00am: Creative Cultivation & Stewardship (Development Track) with Abby Weber, The Curtis Group

• After the challenges of the last several years, we are all having to function under a new fundraising normal. This new normal still relies on the same successful fundraising cycle of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship, BUT, now more than ever, it before depends on creativity and the ability to combine virtual and in-person approaches.

12:00-1:00pm: Speak My Culture (Clinical Care Track) with Dr. Tamara Rios, The Maven Project

• In this presentation, the instructor will highlight tips and strategies to better equip you in providing culturally appropriate and sensitive care to your Latino patients. This will allow you to better understand the challenges facing the Latino patient community and to obtain ideas, tools, and strategies to better prepare you in offering culturally appropriate and sensitive care to your Latinos patients. This approach is highly suitable for those with limited time who would like to build rapport and trust with their Latino patients in an efficient manner as you'll receive tips and strategies to better equip you in providing culturally appropriate and sensitive care. 

3:00-4:00pm: Creating a Culture of Engagement & Inclusion Through Performance Management (Operations Track) with Tracey van Marcke, TvM Impact Consulting 

• Performance management is so much more than completing a form once a year! A thoughtful approach to performance management can strengthen your organizational culture, engage employees (and volunteers) at all levels, and make people feel recognized as well as valued. This session will provide tangible tips to help supervisors provide meaningful feedback that encourages a culture of engagement and inclusion. Attendees will leave with an understanding of why performance management is an important part of a human resource program, how regular feedback and coaching can support a culture of engagement and inclusion, and best practices for designing performance evaluation tools and processes.

 

Friday, November 18 (Virtual)

9:00-10:00am: Making the Successful Ask (Development Track) with Victoria Deitz, The Curtis Group

• Can you ask for a major gift via phone or over a video chat? YES – if done thoughtfully! The fundraising rules have changed since 2020, and we are here to help. Attendees will receive practical tips and participate in an interactive discussion that will help them conquer their fears surrounding virtual asks, so you can confidently approach prospects and successfully close a gift. We will share key points such as:
  • How do I make an ask during these days of virtual fundraising?
  • How do I plan for an ask?
  • What logistics do I need to be aware of?
  • What do I actually say when making the ask?
  • How do I close the gift?
  • What do I do if the ask doesn’t go according to plan?
  • How do I keep them engaged after they give?

12:00-1:00pm: Another Way to Save a Life - Identifying & Addressing Intimate Partner Violence in a Primary Care Setting (Clinical Care Track) with Dr. Brigid McCaw, The Maven Project

• Domestic violence (DV) is common affecting 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men. The role of medical professionals in recognizing DV and linking patients to resources can be lifesaving. Learn about the health impact, how to ask about and address domestic violence in a caring, effective, and efficient manner. This session will provide you with practical information and resources to help your patients.

3:00-4:00pm: Preparing & Navigating Succession for Staff Leaders and Board Members (Operations Track) with Laurie Price, Clarity Transitions

• This session will provide an interactive overview of executive and board succession and transition, identify key decisions and policies you can set in preparation, and provide you with tools to help prepare. Attendees will be able to prepare for an emergency leadership transition, supported by a decision template that each participant can bring back to their own organization; understand the key decisions and preparation for nonprofit staff leader succession, supported by tools to inventory organizational information and prioritize communication; comprehend the search when an Executive Director leaves; and identify key elements of pipeline and succession for members of the Board of Directors.
   

 

REGISTRATION

Conference registration is currently closed. All registrations must be paid in full and in advance. Scholarships are available for members in good standing (application available in the VAFCC Member Center). Refunds will be issued through October 17, 2022, with a $15 service charge. After that date, no refunds will be issued. 

Member Organization Registration (includes 1 attendee at in-person & unlimited clinic personnel access to virtual):

• $375: Early Bird Member Organization Registration (available through October 1)
  • $175 for any additional in-person attendees
• $450: Standard Member Organization Registration (available after October 1)
  • $175 for any additional in-person attendees

**Must be logged in to access reduced member pricing

Non-Member Organization Registration (includes 1 attendee at in-person & unlimited personnel access to virtual):

• $475: Early Bird Non-Member Organization Registration (available through October 1)
  • $175 for any additional in-person attendees
• $550: Standard Non-Member Organization Registration (available after October 1)
  • $175 for any additional in-person attendees 

COVID Safety & Crowd Release:
By submitting this registration, I affirm I have read and agree to the following terms:

• You acknowledge that there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19 that could result in illness, disability or death and agree to release and hold harmless VAFCC, its employees, officers, and vendors from and against all claims of damages and liability resulting from exposure to COVID-19 at this event.
• Attendees at any in-person VAFCC event are required to confirm a negative COVID rapid antigen test taken within 24-hours of the event. 

Additionally, you consent to be photographed, filmed, and/or otherwise recorded. Your registration constitutes your consent to such photography, filming, and/or recording and to any use, in all media in perpetuity, of your appearance, voice, and name for any purpose whatsoever in connection with any VAFCC events.
 

Accommodations

The event will be held at the Westin Richmond located at 6631 West Broad Street. An innovative and personalized hotel that offers holistic and thoughtful amenities not often seen in modern hotels, the Westin is located conveniently near I64 between Downtown Richmond and Short Pump.

Our rate is $149 per night plus taxes and includes parking as well as Wi-Fi in both guest rooms and meeting spaces. The room reservation deadline is October 31, 2022, and all attendees need to secure their own hotel reservations by calling 1-888-236-2427 and referencing the VAFCC block. You can also go online:

 

Conference Sponsors

         
          
             
    
                                          

                  
 

                  
                     
       

 

Conference Exhibitors

                 

          

                
                     
                        

                  

             
           
              
 

Conference Supporters

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Please contact Rebecca Butler at 804.340.3434 or email rbutler@vafreeclinics.org to discuss both virtual and in-person opportunities.