The Massachusetts Family-to-Family Health Information Center at the Federation is pleased to announce this year’s Joining Voices conference. This event is an opportunity for families raising children & youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) to learn specific skills to advocate effectively for their children, make informed decisions about healthcare services and supports, and ultimately be better partners in decision-making with health care providers, other providers, systems of care, and with policymakers.

This year’s conference is:

Wednesday, November 4, 2009
9 am – 3 pm
Hoagland-Pincus Conference Center
Shrewsbury, MA

Amy Rosenthal, Project Director at Community Catalyst, will give the keynote presentation about health reform and the implications for individuals with special health needs. In response to feedback from last year’s attendees, breakout sessions are longer. Topics include effective communication with healthcare professionals, supports for children with behavioral health needs, health information technology, sustaining adult relationships when you have children with special health needs, the MassHealth Premium Assistance programs, and the MassHealth Adult Family Care program.

Last year, we provided an opportunity to participate in roundtable discussions over lunch. This feature was so popular, we have once again invited experts in various fields to facilitate discussions about respite, oral health, parent-to-parent matches, transition, the Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative Mental Health Services, and tips for getting and staying organized.