Community health centers share a common goal: making health care more accessible. Sharing ideas, experiences, and lessons learned helps move that work forward. This August, Zufall Health brought clinical expertise and patient-centered initiatives to the national stage at the National Association of Community Health Centers’ Annual Community Health Institute (CHI) & Expo.

Integrating Recovery into Primary Care

Substance use recovery took center stage during a CE-eligible educational session led by Addiction Medicine Physician Michael Ganon, DO (above, second from left) and SVP of Behavioral Health Services Sarah Aleman, MSW, LCSW (above, second from right). Moderated by Chief Medical Officer Rina Ramirez, MD (far left), the session explored practical models for embedding recovery support directly into everyday primary care. More details and presentation slides from the session, “Dancing, Not Wrestling: Expanding and Enhancing SUD Services Through Practice Transformation and Partnerships,” are available here.

Championing Pediatric Immunizations

SVP of Nursing Kathleen Felezzola, RN (far right), joined a roundtable on pediatric immunization delivery and uptake. This discussion served as a prequel to the Strengthening Family Vaccination Community of Practice, where Felezzola will serve as faculty alongside leaders from 14 other health centers this fall. Her participation follows NACHC’s national recognition of Zufall as one of a small group of health centers where at least 70 percent of pediatric patients receive all age-appropriate immunizations by their second birthday. Zufall proudly maintains a 73% vaccination rate for this age group. Learn more about this important recognition.

The Healing Power of Art

Care extends far beyond clinical treatments and outcomes. Zufall patient Carlos Galvez’s painting, Familia, was selected for display in CHI’s “Health for All: Community Health Centers Providing Primary Care Where It Matters Most” art gallery. A permanent fixture in Zufall Health’s Dover clinical space, the piece highlights the organization’s commitment to the therapeutic value of art in the healing process.

From clinical education to pediatric health and the patient experience, CHI provided valuable opportunities for Zufall’s team to join national conversations and bring fresh insights back to the communities we serve. We remain grateful for platforms that allow our leaders to share their knowledge and keep learning alongside colleagues nationwide.