The 2023 NAFC Charitable Healthcare Symposium was held October 11-13th in the beautiful Palm Springs area of California at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The Symposium is an annual conference event dedicated to advancing the cause of Free and Charitable Clinics and Charitable Pharmacies in building healthy communities.
The symposium serves as a melting pot of ideas, a place where innovation is forged, and where the seeds of progress are planted. The 2023 Symposium provided a unique opportunity for attendees to not only expand their knowledge but also foster meaningful connections. Attendees were encouraged to listen to each other’s stories with open minds and compassionate hearts, fostering an environment of vulnerability, connection, and growth.
At the symposium, 400 staff, volunteers, and board members of Free and Charitable Clinics, Charitable Pharmacies, and related organizations gathered to collaborate, share insights, and explore innovative approaches to improving healthcare access for uninsured and underserved populations. It included engaging general sessions, expert-led workshops and discussions, networking opportunities, and more. Some topics explored include inclusivity, elevating volunteer engagement, sustainable funding practices, creating equitable organizations, and building healthier tomorrows.
Recognizing Leaders
The Symposium is also an opportunity to recognize leaders in our space and take a moment to honor their tireless efforts.
At the 2023 Symposium, we recognized Sandy Motely, a long-standing member and friend of the NAFC, as she retires from Davidson Medical Ministries Clinic in North Carolina. We congratulate her on her retirement and thank her for her many years of service to not only her community but also the national free and charitable clinic community.
Ellen Rafferty, Associate Director, Social Investing at BD, was honored as the NAFC’s Safety Net Health Champion Awardee. This annual award honors an individual who, through their actions, has made an extraordinary impact on the organization, the Free and Charitable Clinic and Charitable Pharmacy community, and most importantly, their patients. We are grateful for Ellen’s support and partnership and for being a true friend and champion to the NAFC and our members.
The NAFC also presented the second annual award from the NAFC Volunteers in Medicine Program, the Dr. Jack McConnell Circle of Caring Award, to Katherine Mastrangelo, Executive Director of Volunteers in Medicine Clinic of the Cascades in Oregon. This award recognizes the accomplishments and dedication of leaders in the Volunteers in Medicine clinic community who exemplify the impact and legacy of Dr. McConnell.
Supportive Partners
We thank our incredible sponsors and exhibitors for their participation and support of this year’s symposium.
2023 Sponsors include: Direct Relief, Americares, Cerave, BD, athenahealth, Henry Schein and Heart to Heart International.
For a full list of all sponsors and exhibitors, please visit: https://cvent.me/BwK7Nm.
2024 Symposium
Don’t worry – the NAFC 2024 Symposium will be here before you know it! Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with individuals across the country who truly understand your day-to-day experience – your stories need to be heard!
We hope to see you all and more from September 29 to October 1, 2024 at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
Thank you
We thank all of our sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, the NAFC Board, staff and event team, and especially all of our attendees for joining us at the 2023 Symposium and for making it such a success. By coming together, we can build towards our shared vision of a just society that ensures a healthy life and well-being for all.
View a recap of the 2023 Symposium here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKLTVClYWXs
A full album of photos from the event can be found here: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjAZP6C