Policy to Patients: Reshaping NC Healthcare Access

Wednesday, October 7, 2026

The Friday Conference Center
Grumman Auditorium
UNC Chapel Hill

5:00 pm | Networking
5:30 pm | Panel Discussion
7:00 pm | Reception (ticketed, 21+)

Join NC MedAssist for a timely, nonpartisan conversation featuring diverse perspectives on how federal and state policy decisions are reshaping healthcare access across North Carolina.

The discussion will examine the priorities and tradeoffs behind these decisions, their potential impact on patients and communities, and how our state can adapt and strengthen existing systems to protect access to coverage, medications, behavioral health services, rural care, and a strong healthcare workforce.

As changes take effect, how do we ensure that North Carolinians facing the greatest barriers are not left without a path to care?

Sponsorships Available

Sponsorship opportunities are available for every budget. Learn more about how you can make a meaningful impression on an engaged, forward-thinking audience through a sponsorship. 

Contact Jordan Fletcher today: JFletcher@MedAssist.org

Thank you to our sponsors

Past Topics & Panelists

The inaugural event discussed the importance of public policy and how it impacts the health of our North Carolina neighbors. Moderated by Rose Hoban – the founder and editor of NC Health News – the group examined how policy, access, and health equity intersect to shape health outcomes — and what we can do to create change.

Yele Aluko, MD, MBA, FACC, FSCAI

Chief Medical Officer
EY Americas

Josh Dobson, MPA

President & CEO
North Carolina Healthcare Association

April Cook, MBA

CEO
NC Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

Devdutta Sangvai, MD, JD, MBA

Secretary
NC Department of Health & Human Services

Moderated by Rose Hoban, Founder & Editor of North Carolina Health News

Images shown from the Conversation: Political Determinants of Health in May 2025. 

North Carolina’s healthcare system is undergoing a period of rapid change, driven by shifting state and federal policies. For residents with low incomes, these changes are creating new opportunities for coverage while also deepening challenges in accessing consistent care.

During this panel discussion, leaders from healthcare, government, philanthropy, and the safety-net sectors explored how evolving policies are impacting patients and providers across the state. The conversation highlighted both the opportunities ahead and the risks facing vulnerable communities—and underscored the importance of collaboration to ensure all North Carolinians can access the care they need.

Senator Jim Burgin

North Carolina General Assembly

12th Senate Distric

Ivan Canada

President & CEO

North Carolina Center for Nonprofits

Debra Farrington, MSW, LCSW

Deputy Secretary for Health

NC Department of Health and Human Services

Lynne Fiscus, MD, MPH

Chief Statewide Clinical & Academic Integration Officer

UNC Health

Ben Money, MPH

SVP, Population Health

National Association of Community Health Centers

Moderated by Ciara Zachary, MPH, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Health Policy and Management, and Assistant Dean of Masters Programs at the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health