Iowa Social Care Summit

 April 8, 2026
9:30am-4:30pm
   The Shop Event Center  - 901 Cherry Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309        

Join us for a dynamic regional gathering of social care leaders, innovators, and practitioners at the Findhelp State Social Care Summit in Des Moines. This event brings together healthcare organizations, community-based providers, government agencies, technology partners, and others to explore the future of connected care in our region.

Key topics shaping the Iowa landscape:

  • Collaborate Across Sectors | Learn how counties, health plans, and providers are advancing shared accountability and collective impact through aligned goals and funding models.

  • Advance Interoperability | Discover new approaches to integrating systems and data to streamline referrals, reporting, and care coordination.

  • Shape the Future of Community Engagement | Participate in discussions on how government and community leaders can work together to drive local solutions that meet the states most pressing needs.

  • Join a Growing Network | Be part of a movement to 
    build a unified, connected social care ecosystem that empowers organizations and residents alike.

This Summit is designed to provide actionable best practices, real-world success stories, and opportunities to collaborate with peers who are driving change across the region. Whether you’re a healthcare provider, community-based organization, policymaker, or social care innovator, this event offers a unique chance to connect, learn, and lead together.

Agenda

Time
Details
9:00 AM

Breakfast & Welcome Gathering

Grab breakfast, connect with peers, and settle in for the day.

9:30 AM

Welcome Remarks

Kick off the day with a warm welcome, quick introductions, and a chance to meet fellow attendees.

9:35 AM

Transforming Rural Health:Iowa’s ""Healthy Hometowns"" and the Path Forward

Larry Johnson, Jr., Director of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, will discuss the strategic evolution of Iowa’s integrated health and social care system. With a focus on the pioneering "Healthy Hometowns" project—Iowa's Rural Health Transformation Plan—Director Johnson will share how the state is utilizing its landmark $209 million federal award to reshape rural care delivery.

  • Infrastructure & Innovation: How the state is modernizing rural facilities.

  • Workforce Resilience: New strategies for recruiting and retaining top-tier clinical talent in rural communities.

  • Integrated Social Care: The role of community-based health hubs and cross-sector collaboration in addressing the social drivers of health, from food security to cancer prevention.

Director Larry Johnson

10:00 AM

Iowa’s Smarter Safety Net: A Vision for an Integrated, Connected Future

In a landscape of fragmented services and complex eligibility requirements, Iowa is charting a new course toward a truly integrated social care ecosystem. Join this session to explore how we are building a smarter safety net—one that is personalized, proactive, and designed to meet the evolving needs of our communities.

We will dive into the power of shared purpose and collaboration, highlighting Findhelp’s strategy for transforming a simple list of resources into a seamless, connected platform. This session will demonstrate how we are moving beyond traditional models to drive equitable access through:

  • Integrated Systems: Discover how a connected ecosystem simplifies the path to care for both providers and seekers.

  • Automated Workflows: Learn how we are streamlining member eligibility and reducing administrative burden.

  • Actionable Care Journeys: Track the journey from initial contact to actual service to ensure no one is left navigating the system alone.

By merging local vision with global innovation, we will set the stage for a future where technology and collaboration drive lasting community transformation.

11:00 AM

Coffee Break

11:15 AM

Turning Data into Action: Measuring Impact and Driving Accountability in Social Care

As investment in social care grows, so does the need to measure outcomes and demonstrate impact. This session will explore how organizations across Iowa are leveraging data to track performance, identify gaps, and improve service delivery. Attendees will learn how data-driven insights can strengthen partnerships, inform decision-making, and ensure accountability across the social care ecosystem.

Moderated by Rachel Lauderdale

12:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 PM

Powering Whole-Person Care through HIE Innovation

As the demand for integrated care grows, Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) play a critical role in enabling data sharing and coordination across sectors. Join Converge Health VP of Behavrioral Health Strategy, Robin Trush, for a forward-looking discussion on the evolving role of HIEs in supporting whole-person care. This session will explore how data, technology, and partnerships can come together to create a more connected, efficient, and equitable social care ecosystem in Iowa.

Moderated by Robin Trush

1:45 PM

Connecting the Dots: How Managed Care is Transforming Social Care Delivery

Managed care organizations are uniquely positioned to bridge healthcare and social care for the populations they serve. In this customer-led session, MCO leaders will share how they are implementing strategies to address social determinants of health, build provider partnerships, and improve member outcomes. Learn how real-world approaches are driving measurable impact and strengthening care coordination across Iowa.

2:45 PM

Closing Remarks

3:15 PM

Happy Hour Fireman's Bar

Learn more about Findhelp

Findhelp is the leading social care platform, powering a connected safety net. We enable health systems, governments, payers, and more to identify social needs, coordinate services, and manage benefits enrollment through a unified digital infrastructure. Our technology provides a smarter, faster, and more efficient way to deliver social care—at scale.

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