Members of CompTIA's Human Services Information Technology Advisory Group (HSITAG) were out in full force at the APHSA 2019 National Health and Human Services Summit, which took place May 19 – 22 at the Crystal City Marriott in Arlington, Va. Every year, HSITAG members look forward to participating in workshops and sessions that include topics ranging from policy to research to state and local initiatives, and, of course, to connecting with our peers. It is also a way for our members to engage with a wide range of thought leaders to expand our skills and knowledge base.
This year was no exception. We were proud to engage in critical policy discussions around increasing our clients’ collective need for a modern, responsive, and effective human services system that leads to child and family well-being, employment and economic opportunities, and improved population health.
You only have to look at the opening and closing of the Summit to understand the level of conversation encouraged at the Summit: The conference opened with a notable session on Child Welfare titled "Creating Opportunities to Thrive + FOSTER Documentary."
FOSTER is a documentary airing on HBO later this year that challenges stereotypes about foster care and those involved in the system. Interweaving gripping personal stories of children and youth, parents and foster parents, social workers, attorneys, judges, and more, FOSTER traces a complex path through an often-misunderstood world.
And the conference closed with "Philanthropic Partnerships: How We Build Well-being from the Ground Up," that included a panel of philanthropy partners who shared their insights on what it takes to get at root causes, truly meet families where they are, and move up the Human Services Value Curve to a generative future. We heard where these organizations are making investments and impact, and how we can effectively leverage public-private partnerships to build opportunity ecosystems in our own communities.
Finally, HSITAG typically co-locates our monthly meeting within the conference city, thereby taking advantage of our proximity to speakers who may not normally be available to join us. Our May meeting was held in conjunction with the Summit, where we were able to hear from Ross Hunter, Secretary Washington Department of Children and Families and Kelly Harder, Director Dakota County MN Community Services.
Again, thank you to the HSITAG members who joined the APHSA National Summit as sponsors, speakers, and attendees.
