2024 National School-Based Health Care Conference Highlights

The 2024 National School-Based Health Care Conference, held in Washington, D.C., from June 24-26, was a remarkable gathering of professionals dedicated to advancing school-based health care. This year’s theme, “Engaging Communities, Fostering Partnerships,” resonated throughout the three-day event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in enhancing the well-being of students nationwide.

Over 875 attendees participated in diverse workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities. The speeches from Ambassador Brooke D. Anderson, Senator Debbie Stabenow, and Congressman John Sarbanes inspired us. Their insights and advocacy for school-based health care set a powerful tone for the conference.

Attendees had the opportunity to delve into topics such as mental health services, telehealth, youth development, and community partnerships. Each workshop provided valuable insights and tools, interactive workshops on innovative health care delivery models, and panel discussions addressing current challenges and strategies in the school-based health centers. The ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program stood out, empowering young leaders to connect, exchange ideas, and drive positive change in their communities. A memorable session was the closing plenary, where Nat Kendall-Taylor, Ph.D., CEO of FrameWorks Institute, shared his expertise on the power of effective communication strategies with his presentation, “Framing for Change: The Science of Effective Communications.”

The conference concluded with a call to action for continued advocacy and innovation in school-based health care. As we look forward to the future, the connections and knowledge gained from this conference will undoubtedly drive progress and inspire further advancements in the field. Thank you to all who participated and contributed to making this event a success, and we hope to see you again next year.