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Partner of Choice

PMG1 - Turning Local Needs into Policy Wins: Partnership and Advocacy Strategies to Advance Mobile Health

Monday, February 9, 2026
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM ET
Location: Annapolis (Ballroom Level)
CPE: 0
CME: 0
CEU: 1
ACHE: 0
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are uniquely positioned to deliver comprehensive care across the nation through mobile clinics, yet they face persistent funding volatility and evolving policy challenges. State and local advocacy has become increasingly critical to sustain operations, expand services, and secure resources that ensure long-term viability. This session will explore effective strategies for building and maintaining strong relationships with state legislators, municipal leaders, and health departments to elevate the voice of CHCs where many key decisions are made.

As an example, the Primary Health Network (PHN) — a leading Pennsylvania-based CHC serving urban and rural populations — has recognized the importance of sustained state and local advocacy. Through direct engagement with policymakers and community leaders, PHN has advanced initiatives in mobile health, maternal health, behavioral health, and rural access, while protecting reimbursement streams and securing infrastructure support.

Drawing on such experiences, this session will examine how targeted advocacy can translate local needs into policy wins, protect core funding streams, and expand opportunities for innovative models such as mobile health and telehealth. Attendees will gain practical insights into crafting advocacy messages, engaging stakeholders, and leveraging partnerships that demonstrate measurable impact. By focusing on state and local advocacy, CHCs can position themselves as indispensable partners in addressing health disparities and strengthening community well-being

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain how state and local policy decisions impact the funding, sustainability, and expansion of mobile health programs within Community Health Centers.
  • Analyze key stakeholder relationships and advocacy approaches used by Community Health Centers to advance mobile health, protect reimbursement, and influence state and municipal decision-making.
  • Apply a targeted advocacy framework to identify priority policymakers, craft effective messages, and advance mobile health initiatives within their own state or local context.