We look forward to seeing you in Boone this October for this impactful and inspiring event! Moving Mountains and Community Conference, taking place October 13–14, 2025, with a preconference day on October 12, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

In the face of rising pediatric mental health needs, Novant Health Twin City Pediatrics found itself at a crossroads. As adolescent mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety became more prevalent, clinicians found themselves increasingly fielding complex and time-consuming questions. These mild to moderate conditions required consistent follow-up and oversight, yet the surge in demand for mental health services made it difficult for patients to access timely care, particularly from providers who accepted their insurance. Many adolescents went without necessary treatment. 

Thanks to a powerful partnership with Northwest AHEC and the guidance of Lara Dickerson, MHA, Senior Quality Improvement Specialist, the practice chose a different path—one of innovation, collaboration, and compassion.

Adair Stewart, Dr. Elizabeth Allen, Dr. Gretchen Hoyle, Lara Dickerson, Jennifer Cleland Green, Lauren Stokes

The Challenge

Primary care pediatricians face a dilemma. Mental health visits are longer, emotionally taxing, and historically under-reimbursed. Yet the need is undeniable. Twin City Pediatrics chose to lean in—embracing the challenge rather than deflecting it.

The question became: Can mental health care in pediatrics be both impactful and financially viable? The answer, it turns out, is yes.

The Solution: Collaborative Care Model (CoCM)

With coaching from Lara Dickerson and guidance from AHEC Practice Support Services, Twin City Pediatrics implemented the Collaborative Care Model (CoCM).  A practice which emphasizes collaboration between primary care physicians, care managers, and psychiatric consultants to improve access, outcomes, and patient satisfaction within the pediatric medical home. 

Key components of the model include:

• A Behavioral Health Care Manager (BHCM) providing core services like parent coaching, brief therapeutic interventions, and referral coordination.
• A Psychiatric Consultant offering oversight and subspecialty advice..
• A Primary Care Provider trained in pediatric physical health.
• Validated clinical tools (PHQ-9, GAD-7, Vanderbilt, etc.) for measurement-based care.
• Customized EHR workflows and a patient registry to track progress and enable billing for behavioral health services within the primary care practice.

Practice Support Team Impact

The journey began with a conversation at the 2023 NC Pediatric Society Meeting, leading to a partnership with Northwest AHEC. Practice coach Lara Dickerson became a key ally, meeting monthly with the team for two years. Her support included:

• Coordinated with internal Novant departments (HR, billing, IT, compliance).
• Billing guidance and documentation templates.
• Consultation with NC Medicaid on psychiatric consultant roles.
• Staff training modules.
• Troubleshooting billing issues.
• Setting BHCM workload benchmarks.
• Secured a $50,000 Capacity Building Fund grant from Community Care of NC to support BHCM staffing.

Thanks to this comprehensive support, the program not only launched - it thrived.

The Results

By June 2025, the program became revenue-positive, six months ahead of schedule. With monthly BHCM costs of $5,400 and over $13,000 billed in June alone, the practice expects $6,500 in revenue—exceeding expenses by more than $1,100 per month. Today, the program includes a growing number of enrolled patients - many with complex needs - and is delivering tangible improvements in the lives of children and their families.

“The Psychiatric Collaborative Care Model has empowered our practice to provide meaningful, evidence-based mental health care for our pediatric patients. Our success is replicable, sustainable, and deeply impactful.”
— Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD - Twin City Pediatrics

“It was amazing to see how this model enables primary care practices to spend adequate time with each patient on physical and mental health concerns, developing treatment plans collaboratively with specialists and making a significant difference for kids in our community.”
— Christopher Jones, DrPH, MHA - Northwest AHEC

From Patients & Families

“I’m so glad he’s finally going to get the help he needs.”
“I’ve felt so alone for so long. Having someone to talk to means everything.”
“She is so much better. I can’t thank you enough.”

Read the full Report from Twin City Pediatrics & Gretchen S. Hoyle, MD

Are you a healthcare professional looking to better support children and families dealing with weight-related health concerns? Brenner FIT® invites you to take the lead in your clinic with our comprehensive, self-guided online course:
Pediatric Obesity Management: Become the Expert in Your Clinic.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

This five-part learning series is designed by Brenner FIT’s multidisciplinary team to empower providers with practical, evidence-based tools. The course focuses on:

• Creating positive health habits in a safe, family-centered way
• Using Ellyn Satter’s Division of Responsibility framework for feeding and activity
• Communicating about weight with sensitivity and confidence
• Guiding parents to reduce mealtime pressure and build structure
• Fostering stronger family communication and trust

Whether you're a pediatrician, nurse, dietitian, or behavioral health provider, this training will help you approach pediatric obesity with compassion, clarity, and confidence.

📚 Why This Course Stands Out

Unlike traditional weight-focused interventions, this course emphasizes behavioral change and family dynamics over numbers on a scale. You’ll gain tools to:

• Shift the conversation from weight to wellness
• Support families in building sustainable routines
• Address feeding challenges without blame or shame

💻 Flexible, Self-Paced Learning

The course is entirely online and self-guided, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit materials as needed. It’s perfect for busy professionals who want to deepen their expertise without disrupting their schedules.

✅ Ready to Get Started?

Register today and become the go-to expert in your clinic for pediatric obesity management.
👉 www.nwahec.org/75771

We’re thrilled to announce that registration is now open for the Moving Mountains and Community Conference, taking place October 13–14, 2025, with a preconference day on October 12, at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.

On March 18, 2025, lactation consultants, peer counselors, nurses, and breastfeeding advocates gathered at the Hickory Metro Convention Center for the 13th Annual Breastfeeding Forum. This highly anticipated event welcomed 120 attendees for a full day of education, networking, and meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening breastfeeding support for families.

Live Webinar Every Tuesday 12 - 1 PM

At Northwest AHEC, we believe in the power of teamwork and community service. Our team recently had the opportunity to volunteer at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad, Inc. (RMHCPT), where we spent the day giving back to families in need.

A Day of Service

Our team divided into groups to assist with various tasks around the House. Some of us packed nutritious lunches for families staying at RMHCPT (or receiving care at one of our local pediatric intensive care units), ensuring they had one less thing to worry about as they focused on their children receiving medical care. Others baked brownies to provide a small but meaningful treat, while another group cleaned the playroom and assisted with other household needs. Every task, no matter how big or small, contributed to making the House a true “home away from home” for families facing challenging times.

The Mission of RMHCPT

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Piedmont Triad is an independent, community-supported 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Located near Atrium Health Levine Children’s Brenner Children’s Hospital and other medical facilities, RMHCPT provides a comfortable, supportive environment for families with children undergoing medical treatment. Since opening in 1984, the House has served as a place of refuge, offering accommodations, meals, and emotional support to families in need.

Learning and Bonding as a Team

Volunteering at RMHCPT was not just about giving back; it was also an opportunity for our team to come together, learn more about our community, and reflect on the impact we can make. Touring the House and hearing stories about the families who stay there reinforced the importance of the work being done. It was a meaningful experience that left us inspired and grateful for the opportunity to contribute.

How You Can Help

Want to support RMHCPT and the families they serve? Here are a few ways you can make a difference:

• Volunteer: Give your time and talents to assist with various needs at the House.
• Sport a Shirt: Purchase a RMHCPT shirt to support the cause. Learn more here.
• Recycle Pop Tabs: Collect aluminum pop tabs to help raise funds. Find out how.
• Attend an Event: Participate in fundraising events that support this incredible organization.

Our day at RMHCPT was a reminder that small acts of kindness can make a big impact. We look forward to continuing our commitment to service and encourage others to find ways to give back to their communities as well.

Visit their website

This continuing medical education activity is intended for pediatricians, as well as family medicine physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and nurses who provide care to infants, children and adolescents. Register Today!

Treating and preventing pediatric obesity is not about cutting calories and increasing exercise. In this 5-part series, developed by the pediatric weight management experts at Brenner FIT®, participants will learn new, effective skills to help their patients and families makes positive health changes in a safe, kind and family-centered way.

As the only four Pediatric Trauma Centers in North Carolina verified by the American College of Surgeons, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art care for injured children. Each of our four Trauma Programs offers the many multidisciplinary services that focus on the goal of returning children and their families to the highest quality of life after injury. Together, the four Trauma Programs comprise the state’s premier sites for the evaluation, stabilization, treatment and care of children who have experienced a traumatic injury. Our providers are engaged and passionate in continuous improvement in care and outcomes for the leading cause of death in children. The pediatric trauma centers of North Carolina invite you to learn about pediatric trauma across the care continuum.