a look back

NVPCA’s 2025 Annual Health Care Conference was a resounding success! It was truly wonderful to see so many new and familiar faces in beautiful Lake Tahoe. We also celebrated three decades of advancing primary care as 2025 marks the association’s 30th anniversary. The conference honored that legacy while addressing today’s challenges and shaping the future of primary care through dynamic discussions, expert insights, and collaborative engagement.

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After a warm welcome and overview from NVPCA CEO, Nancy Bowen, we heard from Sarah Fox of SilverSummit Healthplan, the lead sponsor, that made all of this happen. The insightful and enthusiastic emcee Dr. Tiffany Young set the tone for the 2-day conference with a zeal that inspired presence, interaction, and engagement.

The keynote speaker, Allison Massari, shared her courageous journey from incredible loss to an inspired and hope-filled life. There was not a dry eye in the house as we were all moved and inspired by her life story, artwork, and the importance of compassionate care.

From the recent vibe shift to the cascade, Jillian Maccini (HITEQ) dove into AI exploring what it is, why it is, and what to do with it. With a focus on psychological safety in the workplace, Dr. Bret Simmons (Associate Professor at UNR) broke down leaders and teams while reminding us that praising effort is more important than praising outcomes.

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After lunch, multiple subjects were covered during the break-out sessions. Annelli Durazo and Eileen Chavez (Hope Christian Health Center) illustrated how to integrate continuous glucose monitoring into the FQHC setting. How Clinical Teams can be elevated with internal MA training programs was illustrated by Kiran Fougner (Community Health Alliance), Nicole Sobotka (Washoe Tribal Health), Nynalea Lee (Washoe Tribal Health) and Tina Alicea (Safe Harbor Medical). The NVPCA REACCHH Title X Network reviewed its recent federal program review and discussed performance expectations through the contract year.

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Dawson Nimmo and Brady Brashers (Higginbotham) walked attendees through how to reduce risk in FQHC operations by utilizing a data driven approach. Arianna Campbell (The Bridge Center - Public Health Institute) brought participants together with her presentation, “Building Bridges to Prevent Overdose Deaths,” while strategies for success were reviewed with regards to optimizing community health worker (CHW) impact with Annalissa Santoemma (Alcar Health) guiding the way. Esiquio Casillas (AltaMed Health Services) brought attendees back together from the break outs to explain delivering comprehensive care for older adults with the PACE program. After Mr. Casillas thoroughly delved into all aspects of the PACE program, we adjourned to the reception.

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The Cheers to Thirty Years was a special evening to celebrate NVPCA’s 30th anniversary and 3 decades of advancing primary care together. A festive night of music, delicious food, and drinks that had colleagues, partners, and friends from across Nevada connecting to network, laugh, and dance complete with a cake cutting toast – all thanks to reception sponsor CareSource!

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Day 2 of our Annual Conference began with further insights into AI from different angles with Brian Rosenberg (Professor UNLV School of Public Health). NVPCA’s Policy Director, Steve Messinger, and Bob Siggins (Alston & Bird Law Firm) took over the dais to review all things health policy from both Federal and State levels while taking questions from the audience. And Paul Huschilt wrapped up the day on a humorous tip, eliciting waves of laughter while providing valuable life tools!

We wrapped up the day with the NVPCA Awards luncheon in which we recognized the outstanding contributions of health center staff, board members, and community supporters who have dedicated their time, effort, and passion to advancing the Community Health Center Movement in Nevada.

That concluded another successful NVPCA Annual Health Care Conference that educated and connected while focusing on action, progress, and maintaining a positive mindset. Thank you to everybody who made this such a special event.

 

NVPCA Annual Health Care Award Honorees

The Outstanding Provider Award
Rachel Grant, APRN - Nevada Health Centers

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The Outstanding Provider Award
Jordan Forman, DNP, APRN - Northern Nevada HOPES

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Exceptional Board Leadership Award
Osvaldo Jimenez-Estupinan - Community Health Alliance

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The Unsung Hero Award
Idaly Donacio - Nevada Health Centers

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Exceptional Health Professions Educator Award
Sarah Lopez, MD - Community Health Alliance

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Exceptional Administrative Leadership Award
Sandie Von Schimmelmann - Community Health Alliance