Author: Candace Stohs-Krause

Iowa Social Care Summit: Highlights from the Hawkeye State

Iowa isn’t waiting around for the future of social care to arrive politely. It’s building it in real time, with urgency, experimentation, and a willingness to rethink systems from the ground up. At the Iowa Social Care Summit, state leaders, healthcare organizations, and community partners came together to explore what it takes to turn historic funding into lasting impact.

From rural health transformation to data-driven decision making and community-led coordination, one theme echoed throughout the day: progress happens when systems connect and people stay at the center.

Read on for key takeaways:

Rural transformation requires bold investment and new thinking: Iowa is moving quickly to deploy historic funding across technology, workforce, and community-based care models.

Data is becoming the backbone of social care strategy: From reimbursement to program design, integrated data systems are reshaping how impact is measured and scaled.

Community coordination is the difference-maker: Care hubs, cross-sector partnerships, and shared infrastructure are turning fragmented services into cohesive support systems.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic speakers for sharing their insight, experiences, and vision.

Highlights from the 2026 Iowa Social Care Summit

This year’s Summit featured 40 participants representing government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more:


Below are some of the key themes and takeaways from a day of learning and sharing.


Transforming rural health: Iowa’s Healthy Hometowns

Larry Johnson, Director of Iowa DHHS, opened with a clear message: transformation isn’t optional, it’s already underway.

With Iowa ranking among the most rural states in the country, the stakes are high. The state secured more funding than requested through the Rural Health Transformation Program and is already moving faster than most.

“We don’t put the technology on bad processes,” Larry said. That philosophy is shaping how Iowa approaches its five pillars, including expanding screening access, co-locating services, modernizing health information exchange, and investing in community-based care models like the HOME Project.

The state is also rethinking how residents interact with public benefits through its Economic Mobility Strategy, aiming to make systems easier to navigate and more responsive to real-life needs.

“Sometimes navigating for resources can become a trap, so how can the State make it easy to navigate and take a whole person approach?”

Larry Johnson

Director

Iowa Department of Health and Human Services

And the urgency is real. Funds must be deployed quickly or risk being reallocated.

The result is a state moving at full speed, testing new models, modernizing infrastructure, and pushing beyond traditional boundaries to better serve rural communities.


A vision for an integrated Iowa safety net

Erine Gray brought the conversation into focus with a vision grounded in dignity, data, and scale.

“Everyone deserves the dignity of a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.”

Erine Gray

Founder & CEO

Findhelp

That principle sits at the core of building a modern social care ecosystem. For decades, healthcare has relied on standardized codes and reimbursement structures, while social care has operated without the same infrastructure. That gap is beginning to close.

Through integrated data, case management tools like Kiip, and eligibility solutions like Uno Health, Iowa and other states are beginning to connect fragmented systems into a more unified experience.

At the same time, innovation is accelerating. From AI-powered search and summarization to shared longitudinal records and real-time eligibility screening, technology is expanding what’s possible while raising important questions about workforce, trust, and implementation.

The goal isn’t to replace human connection, but to strengthen it with better tools, better data, and better coordination.


How managed care is transforming social care delivery

Melody Walter, Director of Quality Management at Wellpoint, shared how managed care organizations are playing a critical role in turning strategy into action.

She shared a real member story that captured the impact of coordinated care: a young, pregnant woman was experiencing homelessness and living in her car. Case managers were able to help connect her to resources via Findhelp, leading to a healthier birth outcome and more stable housing situation for both mom and baby.

At the same time, Melody highlighted ongoing challenges, including housing instability, rising food insecurity, and the complexity of managing chronic conditions alongside social needs.

The message to providers and partners was simple: make the referrals, share the platform, and build awareness.

Integrated care only works when the system is actively used.



Powering whole person care through HIE innovation

As Iowa transitions to a new health information exchange (HIE), the focus is on building infrastructure that supports real-time, cross-sector coordination.

Laura Young, Executive Director of Converge Heath, shared how HIEs are evolving beyond clinical data to include social care information, enabling:

Timely access to patient data

Better coordination across organizations

Reduced gaps in care transitions

More complete, shared understanding of individual needs

But challenges remain, particularly around privacy, consent, and integrating sensitive data like substance use information.

The opportunity is clear: when data flows seamlessly and securely, care becomes more proactive, coordinated, and effective.


Stronger together: The role of community care hubs

If data is the backbone, community care hubs are the connective tissue.

Across Iowa, hubs like Quad Cities Open Network and Iowa Community Hub are helping translate referrals into real-world support. Community health workers receive referrals, assess needs, and connect individuals to the right services.

HUB Navigators have helped enroll more than 4,500 people in services, demonstrating the power of coordinated, community-based care.

Programs like the HUB Produce Box initiative are addressing barriers head-on, delivering 2,000 boxes of fresh food directly to individuals since 2021, and improving both access and outcomes.

But beyond the metrics, speakers emphasized trust, transparency, and shared purpose. Iowa Community Hub invited 160 staff from local critical access hospitals to a training to show clearly how the Hub would work with Findhelp.

“[We build relationships by] being transparent with organizations. We have their back; we’re here.”

Ernesta Martinez

Community HUB Navigator

Iowa Community Hub

Similarly, Cecilia Bailey from Quad Cities Open Network emphasized face-to-face time and including demos of the Findhelp platform to show how easy it is to use. And, perhaps most importantly, Cecelia discussed how a shared mission is what allows organizations to move beyond competition and toward collaboration.

“The biggest challenge in improving care coordination is reminding each other that we all want our communities to be strong and so we are not opponents. We need to be working together.”

Cecelia Bailey

Executive Director

Quad Cities Open Network

Cecelia also focused on quality measurement rather than quantity measurement. “The sheer numbers is not what does it – it’s whether or not outcomes are met”.


Beyond the Summit: Our work in Iowa

While the Summit provided a rich day of insight and connection, the real work continues — in homes, clinics, schools, and community hubs across the state.

Some of the numbers that show the scale and momentum:

  • 5,675 listed programs serving Iowa
  • 940 thousand users across the state
  • 2.5 million searches for resources
  • 100% of counties have claimed programs


As of May 2026, we partner with more than 20 customers throughout the state to connect their patients, members, students, constituents, and clients to local resources. Our data and analytic tools can identify gaps in services and provide actionable insights to inform strategy and public policy. 

Searches in Iowa on Findhelp platforms, Q1-2020 through Q1-2026


Let’s keep the conversation going

Throughout the Iowa Social Care Summit, one reality was impossible to ignore: the challenges ahead are complex, but the foundation for progress is already in place.

From statewide funding strategies to local community hubs, Iowa is building a system designed not just to respond to needs, but to anticipate and address them more effectively. The path forward will require continued collaboration, sustained investment, and a willingness to evolve. But the direction is clear.

A more connected, coordinated, and community-centered system isn’t just possible. It’s already taking shape.

If you’re interested in how Findhelp can support your work — whether you’re a health system, community-based organization, payer, or state agency — we’d love to chat.

Chat with us

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The Power of Follow-Up: Ep. 7 of the ‘No Wrong Door’ Podcast

No Wrong Door is a podcast from Findhelp that explores how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole person care. Hosted by Findhelp VP of Marketing Amy Gordona, the series features conversations with social care experts, healthcare and government innovators, and Findhelp leaders who are shaping the future of access, coordination, and connected care.

Each episode offers an inside look at the systems, decisions, and ideas driving change—and what it takes to build a social safety net that works at scale.

'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.

Emergency departments are built for urgent care. But for many patients, an ED visit is just the visible tip of something deeper—unmet social needs, fragmented systems, and gaps in ongoing support.

In this episode of No Wrong Door, Vidya Lakshminarayanan, COO of Connxus (a health information exchange in Central Texas), shares how her team is transforming that moment after an ED visit into an opportunity: combining real-time data, community health workers, and coordinated referrals to connect patients to the care they actually need.

In this episode, we explore:

Emergency department utilization often reflects unmet social and systemic needs—not just acute medical issues

Health information exchanges (HIEs) can unify fragmented patient data into a single, actionable story

Community health workers play a critical role in building trust and ensuring referrals turn into real outcomes

Watch episode 7: “The Power of Follow-Up”



Key themes from the conversation


Emergency visits as signals, not endpoints

For many patients, an ED visit isn’t the beginning or the end of care—it’s a flare sent up from a system under strain.

Connxus treats these visits as indicators of deeper gaps, from lack of primary care access to unmet basic needs.

By identifying high utilizers and intervening after discharge, the team shifts from reactive care to proactive support.

“It’s not just about what’s happening in a person’s life on a day-to-day basis… it’s about how different things come together to shape a person’s life.”

Vidya Lakshminarayanan

COO at Connxus


Turning data into a patient story

Patients are often expected to retell their story over and over across providers. Connxus uses HIE data to eliminate that burden—aggregating clinical and social data into a unified, longitudinal view.

This isn’t just about efficiency. It’s about clarity and better care decisions at every touchpoint.

“We become your storytellers. You don’t have to remember the story… we link your data and deliver it to providers at the time of care.”

Vidya Lakshminarayanan

COO at Connxus


Community health workers: Closing the loop through human connection

Data can identify needs—but it can’t build trust. That’s where community health workers (CHWs) come in.

Connxus pairs its data infrastructure with a CHW program that reaches out to patients after ED visits, screens for social needs, and follows up over a six-month period.

This sustained engagement turns referrals into real outcomes.

“It’s not just a referral anymore. It becomes more impactful when you can show the outcome.”

Vidya Lakshminarayanan

COO at Connxus


Measuring what matters: Outcomes, not outputs

Connxus tracks success beyond outreach—focusing on engagement, navigation, and whether patients actually receive help.

The results are promising: most patients reduce preventable ED visits after participating in the program, demonstrating the real impact of coordinated social care interventions.

“Clearly there is a relationship between the social interventions that we are providing and the health care outcomes that we are seeing.”

Vidya Lakshminarayanan

COO at Connxus


The persistent fragmentation of social care

Even as innovation accelerates across healthcare, social care remains deeply fragmented—often disconnected from the clinical systems patients rely on most.

That gap isn’t just operational; it shapes outcomes, access, and patient experience.

No Wrong Door host Amy Gordona underscores a tension many in the field recognize: we’ve made progress, but not nearly enough. Bridging that divide isn’t just a technical challenge—it’s a systemic one.

“I’m always amazed that in 2026, this particular area of care… is still so fragmented from the rest of the services we all receive.”

Amy Gordona

VP of Marketing at Findhelp and host of ‘No Wrong Door’

This fragmentation is exactly what models like Connxus aim to solve—by aligning data, people, and partnerships into something that feels less like a maze and more like a pathway.


Learn more about Connxus’ work

Several of Vidya’s colleagues from Connxus will be presenting at the upcoming Connect Summit on May 13-14, discussing vital role of Community Health Workers in shifting patients from emergency care to sustainable primary and community-based support.

  • Build Trusting Relationships: Learn how telephonic outreach and Findhelp program cards empower frontliners to engage vulnerable populations effectively.
  • Close the Care Loop: Identify practical workflows for tracking patient follow-ups and graduation to ensure long-term transitions from the ED to community resources.
Connect Summit 2026 | How Connxus is reducing preventable ED visits by combining HIE data and community health workers.
Register for the Summit


What’s next for No Wrong Door?

“The Power of Follow-Up” is available now—Episode 8 will be released on May 11 and features MiResource co-founder Mackenzie Drazan talking about how better data and smarter infrastructure can revolutionize behavioral health referrals.

Subscribe to No Wrong Door wherever you listen to podcasts to be notified when new episodes drop:

'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.

New Mexico Social Care Summit: Highlights from the Land of Enchantment

In New Mexico, systems are being rewired with intention. Not just to refer, but to respond. Not just to build infrastructure, but to build trust. At the New Mexico Social Care Summit, leaders across state agencies, healthcare, and community organizations came together around a shared premise: connection is the work.

Read on for key takeaways:

Connection is the intervention: Better outcomes don’t come from more programs alone, but from systems that are truly connected and accountable to what happens next.

Community-led design is essential: New Mexico’s approach centers relationships, culture, and local leadership as the foundation for building an effective social care ecosystem.

Data + collaboration = direction: From managed care to community-based organizations, shared data is beginning to shape smarter investments, reveal gaps, and guide coordinated action statewide.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic speakers for sharing their insight, experiences, and vision.

Highlights from the 2026 New Mexico Social Care Summit

This year’s Summit featured 96 participants representing government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more:


Below are some of the key themes and takeaways from a day of learning and sharing.


A system rooted in lived experience

Kathy Slater-Huff, Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the New Mexico Health Care Authority, opened the Summit with a story that grounded the day in something deeper than policy.

“No matter how hard my dad worked, he still needed help. This work is personal, it’s about people, it’s about dignity, and connection.”

Kathy Slater-Huff

Deputy Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Health Care Authority

Her experience navigating public assistance as a child shaped her understanding of today’s systems—and their gaps. “The not knowing was not unique, it was and is the pattern”, she said. That pattern is exactly what New Mexico is working to change through YesNMConnect: a unified, statewide approach to social care, one with “no wrong doors and no dead ends”.

At its core, this work is about designing systems that reflect the realities of the people they serve. Kathy emphasized, “When systems are connected, people don’t have to repeat their stories”.

And doing so in a way that honors the state’s diversity, the diverse cultures, traditions, and strengths that define the state of New Mexico. The vision is clear: move from fragmented transactions to coordinated care that feels human.

“Building a system that is responsive, not reactive. Relational, not transactional.”

Kathy Slater-Huff

Deputy Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Health Care Authority


From referrals to real outcomes

Across sessions, one theme echoed: referrals alone are not enough. In a panel on public health and aging, speakers like Susan Garcia, Director of Health Equity at the New Mexico Department of Health, highlighted how a connected system can fundamentally change outcomes.

“When clinical providers make referrals to social care, it’s a powerful thing… The more we learn about healthcare, the more we realize how much of what predicts an individual’s outcomes is related to the social drivers of health.”

Susan Garcia

Director of Health Equity, New Mexico Department of Health

But without visibility into what happens next, that power is limited. “All too often in systems, we give people this information, and that person goes away and we have no idea what happened to them”, Susan said.

A connected, statewide platform changes that equation, and replaces outdated workflows that have long defined social care. As Susan puts it: “Reducing the sticky note referral. They’re really hard to track. This will allow us to change that way of working”.

In a geographically vast state, connection also helps overcome distance itself, as people may travel hours to receive care.


Building the network, together

In communities like Curry County, implementation is already taking shape.

Local leaders are bringing together cross-sector partners, training teams, and embedding YesNMConnect (the state’s social care platform, powered by Findhelp) into everyday workflows. The work is both practical and deeply collaborative, focused on reducing fragmentation and increasing follow-through.

At the same time, initiatives like Project ECHO are expanding capacity across the state by sharing knowledge rather than relocating resources, and reinforcing a model of shared learning.

“All of us teach and all of us learn.”

Crystal Morales

Sr. Program Manager, Project ECHO

This approach is helping organizations that once operated in isolation become part of a broader, more coordinated network.



Data as a compass for action

For managed care organizations, the shift toward connected systems is unlocking new ways to understand and respond to member needs. By integrating social care data directly into care coordination workflows, teams can identify gaps, track outcomes, and refine programs in real time.

“What’s the dose we need to get somebody to thrive? How much housing, food, transportation do we need? We cannot be resource-dumb. We can’t be putting resources into the same things and miss other areas that would have a greater impact.”

Kyra Ochoa

Long Term Care Division Director, New Mexico Aging & Long-Term Services Department

The ability to compare referral fulfillment, analyze engagement, and identify resource deserts is already shaping how organizations allocate funding and prioritize interventions. Just as importantly, collaboration across MCOs is becoming a defining feature of the work.

Shared goals, coordinated outreach, and aligned strategies are helping reduce duplication and create a more seamless experience for both members and community-based organizations.

Still, speakers emphasized that data alone isn’t enough. It must be paired with:


Designing for trust, not just technology

The closing keynote brought the conversation back to what matters most: people.

Dr. Rohini McKee shared a story that illustrated the consequences of disconnected systems—and the opportunity to reimagine them.

“Re-imagine the story of the woman who came to the hospital. Everyone in the story was doing the right thing – the clinic called her, the system was ready for her emergency care. Reimagined, you have the same people, same resources, and same story, just connected.”

Dr. Rohini McKee

Chief Quality & Safety Officer, University of New Mexico Hospital

She challenged attendees to think beyond tools and referrals, and instead focus on designing systems that people trust.

The stakes are high. When systems fail to connect, the impact is felt across the entire continuum of care: “We are the state’s hospital. When care is fragmented, it shows up at our doorstep,” said Dr. Rohini.

But the path forward is within reach.

“We can’t fund our way out of this, or hire our way out of this, we have to connect our way through this.”

Dr. Rohini McKee

Chief Quality & Safety Officer, University of New Mexico Hospital



Beyond the Summit: Our work in New Mexico

While the Summit provided a rich day of insight and connection, the real work continues — in homes, clinics, schools, and community hubs across the state.

Some of the numbers that show the scale and momentum:


As of April 2026, we partner with more than 35 customers throughout the state to connect their patients, members, students, constituents, and clients to local resources. Our data and analytic tools can identify gaps in services and provide actionable insights to inform strategy and public policy. 

Growth in searches in New Mexico on Findhelp platforms, Q1 2021 through Q1 2026


Where New Mexico social care goes from here

The summit closed with a clear sense of momentum. New Mexico is not starting from scratch. It is building on relationships, resilience, and a shared commitment to doing things differently. The blueprint is taking shape. Now, the work is to keep connecting the dots.

“Transformation doesn’t happen at the policy level alone. It happens in the moments when we choose to act together, in community, in a system built in New Mexico.”

Kathy Slater-Huff

Deputy Cabinet Secretary, New Mexico Health Care Authority

If you’re interested in how Findhelp can support your work — whether you’re a health system, community-based organization, payer, or state agency — we’d love to chat.

Chat with us

Indiana Social Care Summit: Highlights from the Hoosier State

Across Indiana, something bigger than a single initiative is taking shape. It’s a shift from fragmented systems to shared infrastructure, from isolated efforts to coordinated action. At this year’s Indiana Social Care Summit, leaders from across healthcare, government, and community organizations came together to explore how data, collaboration, and local insight can reshape access to care, especially in rural communities where the gaps are widest and the stakes are highest.

Read on for key takeaways:

Rural transformation is underway: Indiana is investing heavily in regional, technology-enabled solutions to strengthen rural health systems.

“No wrong door” requires shared infrastructure: Collaboration, data, and community buy-in are critical to connecting people with the right support.

Community organizations are leading the way: CBOs are driving adoption, engagement, and innovation on the ground.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic speakers for sharing their insight, experiences, and vision.

Highlights from the 2026 Indiana Social Care Summit

This year’s Summit featured 58 participants representing government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more:


Below are some of the key themes and takeaways from a day of learning and sharing.


Bridging the gap in rural health

Indiana’s path forward starts with a clear-eyed view of the challenge and the opportunity. Tara Morse of IN211 opened the summit by emphasizing the need for transformation across rural communities:

“In order to support rural hospitals, we really have to transform the way we do things.”

Tara Morse

Executive Director, Indiana 211

Indiana Family & Social Services Administration

With 64 fully rural counties and several more partially designated, the need for tailored, regional solutions is significant. Through new federal funding, Indiana has secured substantial investment to support interoperability, health information exchanges, and coalition-based approaches to care.

That transformation will depend in part on embracing innovation. At the same time, Morse underscored a critical truth that grounded the conversation throughout the day: “We will never remove the need for people to talk to someone”.

Technology can scale access, but relationships remain the backbone of care.


A connected future for social care

As Indiana builds toward a more integrated system, maintaining trust and usability is essential.

Rachel Lauderdale, VP of Customer Success at Findhelp, highlighted the importance of staying committed to consent-driven data sharing as interoperability expands. Even as systems connect, protecting individual choice and privacy remains foundational.

Across sessions, the vision of a “no wrong door” system surfaced again and again, not as an abstract goal, but as a practical framework for aligning organizations, tools, and workflows.


Turning collaboration into action

In a panel featuring leaders from community organizations, speakers shared how collaboration is showing up in real, tangible ways.

Megan Day of Early Learning Indiana offered a roadmap grounded in experience:

“Keep your why at the center. Listen and flexibly give back to those you’re working with. Keep it simple and accessible.”

Megan Day, MSW

Manager, Family Engagement

Early Learning Indiana

Her team uses Findhelp not just to meet immediate needs like childcare, but to uncover and address related family challenges such as employment or housing, expanding the impact of every interaction.

Brian Replogle of the Community Foundation of Elkhart County described how shared data can sharpen community response. By combining local insight with platform data, communities can identify gaps and respond with targeted interventions.

“Findhelp data informs how we strategize to help our community, for example, by hosting pop-up food pantries in areas of high need, based on search data.”

Brian Replogle

Assistant Director, Early Childhood Coalition
Community Foundation of Elkhart County



Medicaid expansion for Indiana school nursing

Cam Wigton, SchoolCare Partnerships Manger at Findhelp, explored how the platform’s integrated Medicaid billing functionality captures often-missed reimbursement opportunities without adding to nurse burnout.

Mary Hess, former Health & Wellness Director at Fort Wayne Community Schools, shared her firsthand experience using data to drive student health outcomes and fiscal health in one of Indiana’s largest districts.

Watch “Healthier Students, Stronger Districts: Medicaid Expansion for Indiana School Nursing”


Elevating community-based organizations

Community-based organizations are central to making connected care a reality. Christina Arrom Garza of the Immigrant Welcome Center shared how her team integrates Findhelp into daily workflows to better serve diverse populations.

“I love the language functionality of Findhelp. We use that language functionality all the time.”

Christina Arrom Garza, J.D.

Chief Operations Officer

Immigrant Welcome Center

Her team’s approach reflects a broader cultural commitment to shared responsibility: “It’s not just one person’s job, it’s everyone’s job to use it to help”. From maintaining up-to-date program information to actively engaging partners, CBOs are ensuring that the system remains accurate, accessible, and responsive.


Laying the groundwork for data sharing

In workshop sessions, attendees rolled up their sleeves to explore what it takes to build a truly connected ecosystem across healthcare and community organizations.

Participants discussed challenges around consent, standardization, and governance, while also recognizing how much progress has already been made.

As one participant noted: “The foundation is there, but it would be like building a new house on that foundation”.

The infrastructure exists. The next step is aligning around shared processes and scaling collaboration across partners.


Beyond the Summit: Our work in Indiana

While the Summit provided a rich day of insight and connection, the real work continues — in homes, clinics, schools, and community hubs across the state.

Some of the numbers that show the scale and momentum:


As of April 2026, we partner with more than 55 customers throughout the state to connect their patients, members, students, constituents, and clients to local resources. Our data and analytic tools can identify gaps in services and provide actionable insights to inform strategy and public policy. 

Growth in searches in Indiana on Findhelp platforms, Q1 2021 through Q1 2026


Let’s keep the conversation going

The Indiana Social Care Summit highlighted a system in motion. From rural health transformation efforts to coalition-building and data-sharing initiatives, there is clear momentum toward a more coordinated future.

What will determine success is not just funding or technology, but continued partnership across sectors and communities. Indiana’s approach reflects a broader shift: building systems that are not only more connected, but more responsive to the people they serve.

And as the conversations throughout the day made clear, that work is already well underway.

If you’re interested in how Findhelp can support your work — whether you’re a health system, community-based organization, payer, or state agency — we’d love to chat.

Chat with us

Social Care for Community Clinics: Ep. 6 of the ‘No Wrong Door’ Podcast

No Wrong Door is a podcast from Findhelp that explores how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole person care. Hosted by Findhelp VP of Marketing Amy Gordona, the series features conversations with social care experts, healthcare and government innovators, and Findhelp leaders who are shaping the future of access, coordination, and connected care.

Each episode offers an inside look at the systems, decisions, and ideas driving change—and what it takes to build a social safety net that works at scale.

'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.

For many healthcare organizations, recognizing the impact of social drivers of health is no longer the challenge — acting on that knowledge is. What does it take to move from identifying needs to actually ensuring patients receive help? How do you effective integrate social care into clinical workflows?

In this episode of No Wrong Door, Amy Gordona speaks with Clarissa Banks of CommUnityCare Health Centers about how her team is embedding social care into clinical workflows, building stronger community partnerships, and using data to track outcomes — not just referrals.

In this episode, we explore:

How integrating social care into the EHR helps care teams act quickly and consistently

Why closed-loop referrals require both internal workflows and external partnerships

How clinical and social care data can guide smarter, more targeted community investments

The importance of dedicated staff and ongoing training to sustaining success

Watch episode 6: “Social Care for Community Clinics”



Key themes from the conversation


From fragmented resources to centralized, scalable systems

Before implementing Findhelp, social care at CommUnityCare relied heavily on individual knowledge and manual processes — creating inconsistency across clinics.

Clarissa describes early efforts like printed resource folders that quickly became outdated and varied from site to site. With more than 30 clinics, this approach led to duplicated effort and uneven access for patients.

By centralizing resources through a shared platform, CommUnityCare created consistency across locations and freed up staff to focus on patient care rather than resource management.

“I remember just having to hold all of the knowledge in my brain.”

Clarissa Banks

Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare


Embedding social care into clinical workflows

A key turning point for CommUnityCare was integrating social care tools directly into the electronic health record (EHR), making it easier for care teams to act without switching systems.

This integration reduced friction for busy clinical staff and enabled broader adoption across roles, from physicians to community health workers.

A tiered approach ensures each role engages at the appropriate level while still contributing to the overall system.

Explore Findhelp’s system integrations

“[We wanted] to centralize… as much as we could, to make sure that our team members are only having to do a couple of clicks and not going into many different portals and platforms.”

Clarissa Banks

Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare


Closing the loop through partnerships, not just technology

Technology alone isn’t enough to ensure patients get help. CommUnityCare pairs internal workflows with strong partnerships with community-based organizations (CBOs).

Their community engagement team focuses on training CBOs, building trust, and encouraging shared responsibility for closing referral loops.

This collaborative model ensures that both healthcare providers and community organizations are aligned in supporting patients.

“We want to ensure that it’s a symbiotic, bidirectional relationship [with our community partners.”

Clarissa Banks

Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare


Using data to move from guesswork to precision

One of the most powerful shifts has been the ability to use data to guide decisions — from partnerships to resource allocation.

Instead of guessing where needs are greatest, CommUnityCare uses Findhelp search and referral data to identify demand and deploy resources strategically — like placing mobile food pantries in the areas where they’re needed most.

“We’ve looked at our [Findhelp] data, seen where the highest searches for food are and what ZIP Codes they’re in, and park one of the Mobile FARMacy trucks at our clinics… That has been really insightful and gets us the most patient volume at those sites.”

Clarissa Banks

Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare

This approach not only improves efficiency but also ensures limited resources (1 Mobile FARMacy truck serves 30 clinics) have the greatest possible impact.

“You really can use data in smart, informative ways that is not breaking anyone’s trust and you can be more targeted and specific in serving people’s needs without having to waste money. And if we can continue to build these connected systems, we could do it at scale.”

Amy Gordona

VP of Marketing at Findhelp and host of ‘No Wrong Door’


Building a sustainable program through people and process

Beyond technology and data, Clarissa emphasizes the importance of dedicated staff and continuous engagement.

From staff competitions to “Findhelp champions,” CommUnityCare keeps teams engaged and motivated.

Ongoing training, feedback loops, and visible data help sustain momentum and drive adoption over time.

“Having a dedicated team member that is really great at doing those things… really helped us get to where we are now.”

Clarissa Banks

Manager of Community Health Social Services at CommUnityCare


Learn more about CommUnityCare’s work

Clarissa will be presenting at the upcoming Connect Summit on May 13-14 alongside Sanford Health-Marshfield Clinic, discussing how they’ve scaled social care operations and navigated the complexities of organizational growth.

  • Standardize Clinical Adoption: Learn how CommUnityCare drives system-wide utilization through role-aligned EHR workflows and staff engagement competitions.
  • Scale Through Innovation: Explore Sanford Health’s operational playbook for scaling growth, including the use of data warehouse automation and the strategic merging of platform instances during a large-scale health system integration.
Register for the Summit


What’s next for No Wrong Door?

“Social Care for Community Clinics” is available now—Episode 7 will be released on April 29 and features Connxus, the state of Texas health information exchange (HIE), talking about data and the importance of longitudinal care records.

Subscribe to No Wrong Door wherever you listen to podcasts to be notified when new episodes drop:

'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.
'No Wrong Door' is a podcast from Findhelp exploring how social care delivery is evolving to better support whole-person care.

Tennessee Social Care Summit: Highlights from the Volunteer State

In Tennessee, social care isn’t being discussed in theory. It’s being built, funded, tested, and scaled in real time. At the Findhelp Tennessee Social Care Summit, state leaders, healthcare organizations, and community-based partners came together with a shared mission: strengthen the safety net by connecting people to the resources they need, no matter where they live.

From rural hospital sustainability to statewide interoperability, the conversations throughout the day reflected both urgency and optimism—and a clear commitment to turning strategy into action.

Read on for key takeaways:

Rural investment meets real impact: Tennessee is channeling new funding into scalable, community-driven care.

Technology as the connective tissue: A unified platform is turning referrals into real outcomes.

Partnerships power progress: Cross-sector alignment is accelerating adoption and reach statewide.

A special thank you to everyone who joined us and to our fantastic speakers for sharing their insight, experiences, and vision.

Highlights from the 2026 Tennessee Social Care Summit

This year’s Summit featured 117 participants representing government agencies, healthcare providers, community organizations, and more:

Attendees at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.


Below are some of the key themes and takeaways from a day of learning and sharing.


Funding the future of rural health

Tennessee is making a significant investment in rural communities through the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), a multi-pronged initiative focused on expanding access, modernizing technology, and strengthening the healthcare workforce.

State leaders emphasized that this work is not optional—it’s essential.

“We cannot leave rural Tennessee behind. We need to make rural health a priority for the government.”

Michael Hendrix

Policy Director, State of Tennessee

Alongside funding, there is a strong emphasis on scaling what is already working. TennCare’s Findhelp-powered platform is one of those bright spots, helping connect individuals to social services in real, measurable ways.

Dr. Wu shared a story that captured the shift underway: a patient with substance use challenges arrives in the emergency room, is screened for social needs, and gets connected to treatment, transportation, and ongoing support.

“This is becoming less the exception and more the norm—connecting people in need with resources.”

Dr. Victor Wu

Chief Medical Officer, TennCare

These efforts reflect a broader strategy: investing not just in care delivery, but in the systems and partnerships that make care accessible and effective.

State government speakers at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.


Building a “no wrong door” system

A central theme of the summit was the idea of a “no wrong door” approach—ensuring that individuals can access support regardless of where they enter the system.

Tennessee is advancing this vision by expanding access to tools that support screening, referrals, and care coordination across sectors.

This includes continued growth of a shared social care infrastructure and increased adoption among providers, state agencies, and community organizations.

At the same time, new capabilities are being introduced to simplify access and improve outcomes, including faster eligibility screening, expanded interoperability, and tools that support more efficient workflows for navigators and care teams.

Together, these efforts are helping create a more connected and responsive system—one that is better equipped to meet the needs of individuals and communities statewide.

Attendees at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.


Aligning strategy across the ecosystem

A major focus of the Tennessee Social Care Summit was the importance of alignment across stakeholders.

Through TennCare’s Health Starts program, providers, managed care organizations (MCOs), and community-based organizations are working together to address non-medical drivers of health in a more coordinated way.

Panelists highlighted how collaboration across organizations is critical to long-term success.

“You can go fast alone, but further together.”

April Blair

Director of SDoH Programs, Health Starts Initiative at UnitedHealthcare

There was also strong agreement that social care must be integrated into broader healthcare strategies, rather than treated as a separate effort.

“You can’t dissect social needs from clinical needs; you have to address them holistically.”

Trish Olivier

Principal Program Manager at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

This shared approach is helping reduce fragmentation, improve coordination, and create a more sustainable model for addressing social needs at scale.

MCO speakers at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.



The reality of the work

While progress is clear, speakers also emphasized the realities faced by community-based organizations (CBOs) delivering services on the ground.

Organizations are managing high volumes of referrals, navigating capacity constraints, and working to reach individuals who may be difficult to contact or engage.

Despite these challenges, many CBOs are finding ways to meet demand and expand their impact.

“We get a lot of referrals [through the Findhelp platform], and address them!”

Ashley Smith

Director of Comprehensive Care at The Branch of Nashville

At the same time, gaps between screening and intervention remain a key focus area.

“A lot of organizations are doing the screening, but not intervening.”

Amy Qazi

Director, Innovation & Programs at Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

These insights reinforce the importance of not just identifying needs, but ensuring that systems are in place to connect people to services and follow through on those connections.

CBO panelists at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.


Designing for what’s next

Looking ahead, Tennessee’s strategy is focused on continuing to scale and optimize its social care ecosystem.

This includes expanding access to tools, strengthening partnerships, and improving the ability to track and measure outcomes over time. There is also a growing emphasis on using data to inform decisions, identify gaps, and support long-term sustainability.

As the system evolves, the goal remains the same: create a more connected, effective, and equitable safety net for all Tennesseans.

Attendees at Findhelp's Tennessee Social Care Summit.


Beyond the Summit: Our work in Tennessee

While the Summit provided a rich day of insight and connection, the real work continues — in homes, clinics, schools, and community hubs across Tennesssee.

Some of the numbers that show the scale and momentum:


As of April 2026, we partner with more than 28 customers throughout the state to connect their patients, members, students, constituents, and clients to local resources. Our data and analytic tools can identify gaps in services and provide actionable insights to inform strategy and public policy. 

Growth in searches in Tennessee on Findhelp platforms, Q1 2021 through Q1 2026


Together, with our Tennessee partners, we’re building a future where social care is not an afterthought — but a foundational part of how health, housing, and human services work together.


Let’s keep the conversation going

Tennessee’s work offers a strong example of what’s possible when funding, technology, and collaboration come together.

Not just a collection of programs—but a coordinated system.

Not just identifying needs—but meeting them.

And not just a vision for the future—but a model already taking shape today.

If you’re interested in how Findhelp can support your work — whether you’re a health system, community-based organization, payer, or state agency — we’d love to chat.

Chat with us

Dallas College Increases Student Persistence by 70% with Findhelp Fulfillment

Dallas College—one of the largest community colleges in Texas—has undertaken a system-wide transformation to meet basic needs support for students and eliminate non-academic barriers that prevent students from persisting and completing their education.

Dallas College partnered with Findhelp to support their comprehensive Student Care Network that addresses basic needs support for students beyond academics. By leveraging Findhelp Fulfillment, Dallas College can meet student needs immediately through services such as emergency housing, ride-sharing, and gift cards for food and gas. The initiative has led to significant improvements in student persistence and completion rates:

This case study explores how Dallas College used Findhelp Fulfillment to operationalize rapid, data-driven interventions and close the loop on social care.

In this post, you’ll learn how:

Dallas College transformed basic needs support for students by embedding Findhelp to deliver real-time social care fulfillment

Shifting from referrals to direct resource delivery—like housing, food, and transportation—dramatically improved student persistence and well-being

A data-driven, case management approach can help institutions remove barriers and drive meaningful outcomes at scale

Dallas College’s challenge: Persistent basic needs insecurity

National assessments conducted by the college — including the Hope Center Basic Needs Survey, the Trellis Student Financial Wellness Survey, and the Meadows Mental Health College Assessment — revealed profound levels of basic needs among students:

  • 47% food insecurity
  • 59% housing insecurity, with 19% staying with friends or relatives
  • 44% reporting generalized anxiety disorder
  • 59% reporting financial stress affecting academics

Compounding this, students often lacked awareness of available resources or assumed they came with hidden costs. The college needed a more effective way to not only connect students with resources but also ensure those needs were met in a timely, tangible way. They needed to move beyond simply making referrals and instead provide a more direct, frictionless delivery of services.

Dallas College serves over 127,000 students annually. 50% of the student population is female, 77% are part-time, and nearly one-third are adult learners balancing school, work, and family. The college consolidated seven independently accredited institutions into one college model to remove structural obstacles that previously hindered student completion.


The Student Care Network solution: A comprehensive support ecosystem

To address these challenges, Dallas College built a comprehensive, integrated model of student well-being and social support, anchored by the Student Care Network and powered by Findhelp Fulfillment.

With Findhelp, Dallas College moved from a referral-based model to a fulfillment-based one. Findhelp Fulfillment allows the college to order social goods and services directly from the platform, ensuring students receive immediate support. The implementation removed the bureaucratic hurdles of contracting with multiple vendors, which would have been too cumbersome for the institution to handle on its own.


Findhelp Fulfillment in action

Dallas College partnered with suppliers including Uber Health and Sanctuary, enabling fulfillment within hours—critical for students in crisis. Findhelp has been leveraged to provide:


“Having the ability to do this has been phenomenal. It’s a trailblazing opportunity for us to share what we’ve done.”

Dr. Carlos Cruz

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Well-Being and Social Support at Dallas College

A paradigm shift

To deliver these services effectively, the college invested heavily in staffing, hiring counselors, student care coordinators, nurses, and health promotion coordinators. These staff members form the backbone of a comprehensive case management approach, coordinating with Findhelp to deliver real-time support.

Before Findhelp Fulfillment, students were referred to community organizations and expected to follow up. Now, Dallas College can fulfill needs instantly.


“We don’t leave things to chance. When it’s an emergency, it’s an emergency. Findhelp Fulfillment has allowed us to meet needs in real time—often within 24 hours.”

Dr. Carlos Cruz

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Well-Being and Social Support at Dallas College


Data-driven impact

Dallas College’s proactive and integrated approach has yielded remarkable results. The college uses its comprehensive case management model to address the whole student, with the outcomes showing the extraordinary value of this approach.

These rates significantly surpass national community college averages for students who don’t seek this type of help, and have a persistence rate around 63%.

“We can tell this is working because we have the data. Students in crisis are persisting at rates we’ve never seen.”

Cathy Edwards

Dean of the Student Care Network at Dallas College


Spotlight: Family Care Initiative (FCI)

The Family Care Initiative is a grant-funded program that supports student parents—one of the most vulnerable populations on campus. Student parents can receive up to $500 in goods (diapers, car seats, formula, hygiene items, safety gear) via Findhelp Fulfillment. The program Includes nutritional classes, parent support groups, and case management to provide basic needs support for students.

154

student parents served
in year one (50% above goal)

126

currently enrolled
and in good standing

85%

student parent retention rate
(national rate is 37%)

Scaling student support

Dallas College demonstrates what is possible when an institution commits to closing basic-needs gaps through real-time social care fulfillment. The college has created a scalable, replicable blueprint for student well-being and success by combining:

Data-driven assessment

Comprehensive case management

Dedicated staffing

Flexible support options

Findhelp Fulfillment


Findhelp Fulfillment has become a critical tool in Dallas College’s mission—turning referrals into closed-loop, measurable outcomes that change students’ lives.


“We’re in the barrier-busting business.”

Dr. Carlos Cruz

Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Well-Being and Social Support at Dallas College


Ready to turn basic needs support for students into real, measurable impact?

Dallas College’s experience shows what’s possible when institutions move beyond referrals and deliver immediate, trackable support through a connected system of care. By embedding fulfillment into everyday workflows with Findhelp, they didn’t just connect students to resources—they ensured those needs were actually met, improving persistence and transforming outcomes.

If your organization is working to address basic needs and remove barriers to success, you don’t have to build it alone. Findhelp partners with colleges, health systems, and community organizations to design and scale solutions that connect people to the right support at the right time.

Grab time with us to see how you can create a more responsive, student-centered support system in your community.

Chat with us


Digitizing the Social Safety Net to Work Better for Everyone

Written by Carla Nelson, Findhelp’s Sr. Director of Health Care and Public Policy. A version of this post was originally published in Healthcare Business Today.

More than 30% of Americans rely on public benefit programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and Women, Infants, & Children (WIC). That is nearly one in three of our neighbors turning to the social safety net for support with healthcare, food, housing, and financial stability.

At the same time, policy shifts, evolving funding models, and scrutiny around public spending are reshaping the landscape. The pressure is clear. We must do more with what we have, and we must do it better.

The opportunity is just as clear. By pairing modern technology with strong community infrastructure, we can make the social safety net more efficient, more connected, and more human.

In this post, you’ll learn:

Why today’s social safety net can be difficult to navigate—and how fragmentation impacts both access and outcomes.

How digital tools and closed-loop referrals can connect healthcare and social care to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

What a modern, person-centered safety net looks like—and how it can expand access while preserving dignity.

When compassion becomes complicated

The American social safety net was born during the Great Depression to help families weather economic collapse. Over decades, it expanded into a web of federal and state agencies, national and local nonprofits, healthcare providers, and private funders. Each plays an important role. Yet too often, they operate in parallel rather than in partnership.

The result is a maze.

Many people must complete multiple applications across different systems to meet basic needs. Some programs still require in-person visits. For individuals juggling hourly jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation, every extra step becomes a barrier. Complexity increases administrative costs and slows down delivery of care.

We also know that social drivers of health such as housing stability, food access, income, and community support account for roughly 80% of overall health outcomes. Healthcare leaders increasingly recognize this reality.

“The notion that our chronic disease burden is partly driven by our lifestyle, and in fact, there are interventions to mitigate that, I think that’s heartening. You’re seeing Medicaid start to pay for food to treat diabetes and hypertension, and we should amplify that as much as possible.”

Dr. Pritesh Gandhi

System Sr. Vice President, Chief Health Equity & Community Impact Officer at CommonSpirit Health

But insight without infrastructure falls short. When healthcare data and social care systems cannot communicate, care remains episodic and fragmented instead of coordinated and preventive.


Disconnects drive up costs

The United States invests trillions each year in healthcare and social services through public funding and private philanthropy. Yet outcomes do not consistently reflect that level of spending.

Enormous sums move through multiple layers before reaching the individual who needs help. Each handoff introduces friction. Technology can reduce that friction and route resources more directly to people and communities.

“Something like $1 trillion is going into the social safety net through private philanthropy, aside from traditional government funding. That’s an enormous amount of money. But those dollars go through three or four places before the service is delivered to an individual. Technology enables us to be more efficient and deliver those services directly to individuals.”

Jaffer Traish

Chief Operating Officer at Findhelp

Research underscores the potential. A study published in Population Health Management found that connecting Medicaid and Medicare Advantage members to social services can reduce healthcare costs by about 10 percent, or more than $2,400 per person annually. With more than 100 million Americans enrolled in those programs, the aggregate savings could be significant. Beyond dollars, better coordination means better health and greater stability for families.

Explore the ROI of benefits enrollment

Still, many referrals are managed through phone calls, spreadsheets, paper flyers, or sticky notes. Staff spend hours researching available resources and making manual connections. In one New York hospital, thousands of staff hours were dedicated solely to recommending community resources.

Digital systems can automate the search and referral process, freeing nurses, care navigators, and community organizations to focus on what matters most: meaningful human interaction. Efficiency and empathy are not opposites. When routine tasks are streamlined, people have more time to listen, support, and build trust.


Why digitization matters now

Digitizing the social safety net does not mean replacing people with technology: It means building infrastructure that helps people do their jobs more effectively and helps individuals access services with dignity.

An interoperable, technology enabled approach can:

Closed-loop referral systems in particular allow organizations to track outcomes, understand what works, and allocate resources more strategically.

Emerging research shows these platforms improve trust and communication between individuals seeking help and the organizations serving them, as well as among cross sector partners.

When systems can talk to each other securely, we can measure impact more accurately and adapt services to meet real world needs.

Research showed Essentia Health improved patient trust through their Findhelp platform


Dignity through easier access

Most of us rely on digital tools every day. We transfer money in seconds. We order essentials online. We message across platforms without thinking twice.

Yet people seeking food assistance, rental support, or transportation often encounter analog systems that require repeated paperwork and in person visits. A modern, person centered digital experience can remove unnecessary hurdles while preserving privacy and security.

Findhelp’s approach to social care privacy

A tech-forward infrastructure can comply with HIPAA requirements, evolve alongside policy changes, and provide secure, user friendly access to services. Just as importantly, it can reduce the stigma that sometimes accompanies asking for help. When access is simple and private, individuals can focus on meeting their needs instead of navigating bureaucracy.


Building a stronger future

A digitally-connected social safety net benefits everyone. It supports families in times of need, strengthens local economies, and maximizes return on public and private investment. It also creates resilience, allowing communities to adapt as policies and funding environments shift.

By combining community expertise with scalable technology, we can build a system that is both efficient and compassionate. The goal is not merely modernization for its own sake. It is a coordinated, data informed, and human centered approach that ensures resources reach the people who need them most.

Chat with us to learn more


Inside the 2026 Connect Summit: Key Sessions You Won’t Want to Miss

The Connect Summit is Findhelp’s annual social care conference, featuring 40 sessions from healthcare, policy, government, education, and nonprofit leaders.

More than 2,600 people have already registered for this year’s Summit on May 13-14 to learn directly from peers delivering and managing social care in real-world settings 👉 Grab your free seat.

Apply to speak at the 2026 Connect Summit.

Taking place May 13-14, the 2026 Connect Social Care Summit is shaping up to be one of our most dynamic yet, bringing together leaders across industries and geographies for two days of practical, real-world learning.

This year’s featured sessions spotlight organizations actively using Findhelp to coordinate care, strengthen partnerships, and improve outcomes. Whether you’re focused on implementation, policy, or frontline service delivery, the agenda is packed with insights you can apply immediately.

Register today


Keynote spotlight: Teri Takai

We’re honored to welcome Teri Takai, Chief Programs Officer at e.Republic and former CIO for the U.S. Department of Defense, State of Michigan, and State of California. She leads e.Republic’s mission-driven programs and national research institutes focused on technology policy and innovation in the public sector. 

Her keynote, Driving Connection: Technology for a Human-Centric Government, explores how modern technology infrastructure and leadership strategies can better connect systems of care. As federal and state policy levers push for rapid modernization, government technology must evolve to be more accessible, nimble, and resident-centered.

Teri Takai

Chief Programs Officer at e.Republic

Teri explores how interoperable frameworks and emerging tools like AI can better connect government to its constituents.

Drawing on her decades of public sector leadership, she will dive into the practical impacts of technology on service delivery and how leaders are being challenged to build more resilient, data-intelligent systems.

It’s a powerful opening to a Summit centered on connection in action.


Featured sessions by theme

Collaboration & cross-sector partnerships

Advancing Awareness & Collaboration Through Find Help Georgia & Beyond

This session explores how organizations can increase visibility of services while strengthening collaboration across partners to better support children and families.

Beyond Help Me Grow: Scaling WV Connections Across Systems

Learn how West Virginia is expanding coordinated care efforts across systems to improve access and outcomes for residents statewide.

Building a Healthier Tomorrow: A Comprehensive Approach to Food Insecurity through Education, Navigation & Access

Cooper University Health Care is taking a holistic, system-wide approach to integrating social care into patient support strategies.


Healthcare integration & outcomes

Closing the Loop on Behavioral Health: Leveraging Data Exchange to Integrate Medical, Behavioral, and Social Care

Cedars-Sinai and Pacific Clinics demonstrate a high-impact collaborative care model that uses data exchange to manage complex behavioral health needs post-hospitalization.

How NYC Health + Hospitals Cares for Complexity: Addressing Medical and Social Needs in Sickle Cell Disease & HIV Prevention

Join NYC Health + Hospitals to explore how they address the intersection of medical and social complexity within HIV prevention and Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) care.

How Advocate Health Uses Data to and Power BI to Drive Strategic Staff Engagement and Community Outreach

Discover how Advocate Health leverages geographic mapping to visualize the alignment between their Trusted Network and community social needs.

Empowering Heart Failure Management: ​ The Interdisciplinary Role in Enhanced Patient Outcomes

Northwestern Memorial Hospital presents an evidence-based pathway that integrates clinical heart failure treatment with social determinants of health.


Implementation & operational excellence

Empowering Frontliners: Reducing Emergency Department Visits by Connecting Patients to Community Organizations and Primary Care

Connxus highlights the vital role of Community Health Workers in shifting patients from emergency care to sustainable primary and community-based support.

Healthier Students, Stronger Districts: Medicaid Expansion for Indiana School Nursing

Explore how integrated Medicaid billing functionality captures often-missed reimbursement opportunities without adding to nurse burnout.

Scaling Inpatient Social Needs Screening Across a Multi-State Health System

Trinity Health shares the strategy behind achieving a five-fold increase in systemwide inpatient social needs screening across 92 hospitals in just one year. Discover how one of the nation’s largest health systems is scaling screening efforts at scale.


Paired perspectives

Advancing Rural Access Through Regional Partnerships and Trusted Community Networks

Explore how MaineHealth and the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts are tailoring the Findhelp platform to meet the unique needs of rural and regional communities.

Building Pennsylvania’s Connected Social Care Ecosystem

Explore how Pennsylvania is transforming social care through a unified statewide ecosystem and forward‑thinking health system strategies that strengthen coordination, expand access, and improve outcomes for residents.

Closing the Loop: A CHW-Driven Model for Connecting Patients to Social Care

Discover how Orlando Health and Parkland Health leverage Community Health Workers and integrated technology to reduce readmissions and bridge the gap in social care coordination.

From City to County: Public Sector Leadership in Social Care

Discover how public sector leaders at the town and county levels are transforming service delivery by building robust, sustainable social care networks.

CommUnityCare logo

From Go-Live to Growth: The Operational Playbook for Merging Findhelp Platforms and Scaling System-Wide

Discover how CommUnityCare and Sanford Health-Marshfield Clinic move beyond “go-live” to scale social care operations and navigate the complexities of organizational growth.


Register to attend the 2026 Connect Summit

Whether you’re coming to learn, connect, or share, registration for the Connect Summit is free and open to all. Attendees can build a custom agenda across 40+ sessions, engage with peers across sectors, and explore timely topics ranging from policy and technology to implementation and collaboration.

Register for free

For answers to common questions about the event format, sessions, and participation, visit the Summit FAQ.


Thank you to our sponsors!

A special thank you to our Connect Summit sponsors for supporting this event and helping bring together a national community committed to advancing social care. Their partnership makes it possible to elevate real-world voices, share innovation, and foster meaningful collaboration across sectors.

MHK partners with leading health plans, pharmacy benefit managers and other managed care organizations—delivering solutions that streamline workflows, support compliance and lead to better outcomes for all members.

Explore our integration

RxDiet partners with health plans and at-risk organizations to engage the most vulnerable, chronically-ill, members or patients with medically tailored, fresh ingredient delivery and behavioral & dietary guidance.

Explore our fulfillment partnership
Learn about Connect Summit sponsorships