In partnership with AppWell, the second annual Growing Well Conference brought together 160 participants in Boone, North Carolina, October 4–6, 2026, for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection focused on strengthening support for children and youth with special health care needs and their families.
Centered on the theme “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs,” the conference highlighted the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health, education, and social systems, particularly in rural western North Carolina. The conference began with a preconference day on October 4, featuring focused learning opportunities on the HINE and resilience for parents and clinicians. The main conference on October 5–6 offered a dynamic mix of presentations, expert discussions, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and practical strategies participants could take back to their communities and organizations.
Programming addressed four key areas: Physical Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Communication and Behavior, and Advocacy and Empowerment. Topics ranged from Medicaid waivers, health care transitions, caregiver needs, emergency preparedness, and oral health to autism interventions, trauma-informed care, complex communication needs, psychotropic medication management, developmental milestones, disability and aging, and transdisciplinary care. Speakers represented a wide range of expertise and perspectives, including health care providers, researchers, educators, government and community leaders, and individuals with lived experience. Participants represented multiple disciplines, including Allied Health, Medicine, Mental Health, Nursing, and Public Health, creating valuable opportunities for interdisciplinary learning and partnership.
Throughout the conference, participants were encouraged not only to expand their knowledge but also to build relationships across disciplines and communities. Networking opportunities and shared learning helped strengthen connections among professionals and partners working toward a common goal: ensuring that children and youth with special health care needs and their families have access to informed, coordinated, compassionate care and support.
The success of the 2026 Growing Well Conference reflects the commitment of our presenters, planning partners, sponsors, exhibitors, and participants who contributed their expertise, resources, experiences, and enthusiasm. Together, they demonstrated that moving mountains requires collaboration and that meaningful progress is possible when communities come together around the needs of children, youth, and families.
Save the Date for 2027
We look forward to continuing the momentum at the 2027 Growing Well Conference, October 10–12, 2027. We hope you will join us for another opportunity to learn, connect, collaborate, and continue moving mountains for people with special health care needs.
Stay current on emerging mental health research and treatment interventions
Health Fair
For many men who use intimate partner violence, fatherhood can be a powerful motivator for seeking help and making lasting changes. This workshop will examine how intervention programs can thoughtfully integrate parenting and fatherhood into their work while maintaining a strong focus on survivor safety, child well-being, and offender accountability.
September is Healthy Aging Month, a time to recognize the importance of helping older adults maintain their health, independence, and quality of life. As North Carolina's population continues to age, healthcare professionals play a critical role in ensuring older adults receive the specialized care and support they need to thrive..jpeg?width=300&height=127&name=1781715742-breastfeeding-and-basics-lg%20(1).jpeg)
Breastfeeding Basics and Problem-Solving is designed for nurses, nutritionists, social workers, doulas, and other healthcare professionals who support families during their infant feeding journey. Grounded in Baby-Friendly principles, this webinar explores practical, evidence-based strategies for addressing common breastfeeding concerns while helping families build confidence and achieve their feeding goals.
Pre-Conference Dinner