The Association of Clinicians for the Underserved (ACU) is hosting its 2024 Annual Conference from August 4-7 in Washington, DC where hundreds of healthcare clinicians, administrators, advocates, and public health leaders with an interest in expanding access to care and improving healthcare delivery for medically underserved populations will unite. Advocates for Community Health (ACH) members receive nearly 20% off of registration fees for the conference – but that’s only scratching the surface on what a dual membership between ACH and ACU provides.

Advocates for Community Health (ACH) members automatically receive a complimentary membership to the ACU – a transdisciplinary membership organization that unites a diverse community of health centers, primary care associations, free clinics, and health departments, as well as healthcare professionals, students, and health equity advocates from across the U.S. In addition to being united in support of health centers, ACH and ACU and its member health centers share a common goal of advancing health equity and strengthening the healthcare workforce.

We recently spoke with ACU’s Director of Communications, Membership, & Special Initiatives Rick Nunez Brown to learn more about what dual membership with ACH and ACU benefits mean, and what to look forward to at ACU’s upcoming annual conference.

A United and Strengthened Policy and Advocacy Voice

ACU members are community health centers, primary care organizations (PCAs), and other organizations, all with common goals – to advocate for the underserved. ACU is a voice speaking up for frontline clinicians and their communities on Capitol Hill and with the federal agencies. ACU has led the fight for the National Health Service Corps through our Campaign to Strengthen the NHSC and continues to lead on workforce recruitment and retention issues across the spectrum.

“We’re proud to partner with Advocates for Community Health in our advocacy initiatives,” said Rick. “So many of our priorities closely overlap, whether in strengthening the health center workforce, supporting health centers, or securing and expanding funding for vital health extender programs such as the National Health Service Corps. Not only is ACH a natural collaborator in our shared efforts, but we’re also fortunate to share a leader in Amanda Pears Kelly, who helps to propel policy analysis and on-the-Hill advocacy efforts alike at both our organizations,” he added.

Increased Resources and Discounts for Members

As dual members of ACH and ACU, health centers can benefit in a host of ways. “We encourage ACH members to reach out to us to access discounts via our group purchasing organization partner CHCollective, to access recruitment assistance through our collaboration with The Inline Group, or to request exclusive assistance with transitioning from value-based care from On Belay Health Services, among other benefits.” said Rick. “ACU also has a wealth of programmatic resources for training and technical assistance to support your CHC, particularly in workforce retention and recruitment via our BPHC-funded STAR² Center, our new National Center for Workforce Development & Training, or through our work in the BPHC Workforce Well-being Technical Assistance Initiative.”

Additional ACU membership benefits include:

• As dual members of ACH and ACU, all staff of ACH member health centers are eligible to take advantage of member discounts on ACU’s fee-for-service technical assistance and training opportunities, including ACU’s upcoming 2024 Annual Conference. Members receive nearly 20% off registration.
• Full online subscription to the quarterly, peer-reviewed Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved focusing on contemporary health care issues of medically underserved communities.
• Reduced registration fees on all ACU-sponsored conferences and professional training opportunities, including the ACU Annual Conference.
• Premier access to the ACU Career Center created especially for primary care professionals and administrative staff dedicated to providing care to the underserved. Post employment opportunities at a 20% discount, search opportunities, and access support services.
• Access to the Members-Only area of clinicians.org, which features exclusive digital benefits and content.

ACU’s 2024 Annual Conference Highlights 

“This year, we’re excited to hold workshops and plenaries exploring a host of clinical practice, workforce, and advocacy-related topics ranging from suicide prevention and eye health and vision care to advocating for the National Health Service Corps or forging medical-legal partnerships to support our patients,” said Rick. “We’re also thrilled to welcome national public health leaders including renowned CHC workforce advisor and thought leader April Lewis, Associate Administrator of the Bureau of Primary Health Care, HRSA, HHS Jim Macrae, and Associate Administrator of the Bureau Health Workforce, HRSA, HHS Dr. Luis Padilla.”

“You can learn more on our website, and we hope to see you there! Our members are one of the elements that make our gatherings truly invaluable.”