2025 Conference Round-Up

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) 2026 Annual Meeting

The 2026 Annual Meeting of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD), held in Washington, D.C., convened state mental health commissioners, directors, and agency leaders from across the country to discuss priorities and challenges in the mental health service continuum. The conference focused on advancing access, improving outcomes, and fostering collaboration across agencies and partners. PCG participated by sharing information about system transformation efforts in multiple states. The event provided opportunities to connect with state leaders, exchange insights, and strengthen relationships.  

National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Partner Summit  

The 2025 NAMI Partner Summit, held in Washington, D.C., gathered NAMI corporate sponsors, including PCG, to discuss NAMI’s work in advancing its mission of improving the lives of people with mental illness and their loved ones. The summit covered a range of topics, including the latest changes in federal health policy as they relate to individuals with mental health needs. The NAMI Office of Science and Research introduced efforts to form an advisory group focused on developing a framework on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health services. Individuals participating in NAMI’s “In My Own Voice” program presented their experiences living with mental illness and underscored the importance of reducing stigma through sharing lived experience and increasing understanding of mental health conditions. The summit concluded with a panel discussion with NAMI Next Gen, a young-adult advisory group who shared their unique perspectives on accessing mental health services, attitudes and perceptions around mental illness, and timely topics such as AI and mental health today.  

Human Services Financial Officers (HSFO) Conference 2025

The 76th Annual Human Services Financial Officers (HSFO) Conference, held in Seattle, Washington, brought together financial professionals from across the health and human services sector—including CFOs, budget directors, grants managers, and cost allocation administrators—to explore key issues in funding and financial management. The conference featured sessions on major federal programs such as Medicaid, Title IV-E, TANF, and SNAP, with presentations covering topics like cost allocation, rate setting, internal controls, and revenue enhancement. PCG had the opportunity to present on a range of topics including health equity, home and community-based services (HCBS), self-determination, housing supports, and strategies for identifying alternative funding sources for human service agencies. Open discussions also addressed community engagement requirements and concerns related to Medicaid programs.  

National Association for Medicaid Program Integrity (NAMPI) Conference

This year’s National Association for Medicaid Program Integrity (NAMPI) conference provided a valuable forum for discussing current challenges and priorities in Medicaid program administration. A central theme of the event was maintaining and improving program quality amid evolving federal and state policy landscapes. Among topics discussed were the impacts of H.R.1, particularly in areas related to compliance and operational readiness. Attendees expressed significant concern about the future of Medicaid funding, especially regarding State Directed Payments and provider assessments. Many sessions focused on preparing for potential work requirements, highlighting the need for strategic planning and system updates. CMS also demonstrated their new tools for monitoring program integrity, and how they will be integrated into the audit process, going forward.  

National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) 2025 Conference

The National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) 2025 Conference, brought together nearly 1,000 health policy leaders, policymakers, and experts from across the country to explore emerging challenges and innovations in state health systems. The conference featured sessions on a wide range of topics, including behavioral health integration, Medicaid managed care, caregiving and home and community-based services (HCBS), and health insurance market stability. Discussions emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, data sharing, and value-based payment models in advancing whole-person care. The event also marked the 60th anniversary of Medicaid, with reflections on its evolving role in supporting state-level health priorities. To read a more in-depth account of sessions attended and insights learned, click here to read the full article.