A13 - Bridging Whole-person Care: Applying Behavioral Health Integration Frameworks in Community Health Centers

Monday, April 27, 2026

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM MDT

Location: 201

Drawing on interviews with health centers demonstrating exemplary integration, NACHC published a white paper highlighting policy strategies and lessons for advancing integration in community-based primary care. This community health center panel will highlight evidence-based frameworks alongside real-world health center examples and policy recommendations, offering participants practical insights to strengthen behavioral health integration and advance whole-person, community-based care.

Learning Objectives:

Describe the models and frameworks community health centers utilize to achieve an exemplary integration strategy.
Identify key barriers and facilitators to deliver integrated behavioral health services in community-based primary care settings.
Explore policy changes for these models and frameworks to function in community-based primary care to increase national implementation.

Disclosure(s):

Erin M. Prendergast, MPH: No financial relationships to disclose

Lance Kelley, PhD: No financial relationships to disclose

Breakout Presenter(s)

Erin M. Prendergast, MPH

Director, Federal Policy
National Association of Community Health Centers
Alexandria, Virginia

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
AF

Amy Flowers, PhD

Director, Data Analyst
National Association of Community Health Centers

Disclosure information not submitted.
Lance Kelley, PhD

Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Waco Family Medicine
WACO, Texas

Disclosure(s): No financial relationships to disclose
ZS

Zachary Sartor, MD, MPH, FAAFP

Interim Program Director and Director for Primary Care Addiction Medicine
Waco Family Medicine

Disclosure information not submitted.