2026 National School-Based Health Care Conference Highlights

June 23 – 25, 2026

We are grateful for your participation in the 2026 National School-Based Health Care Conference and ‘Be the Change’ Youth Training Program, held June 23–25 in Washington, D.C.

This year’s theme, “Stronger Together: Building Healthy Futures for Every Child,” reflected the power of collaboration in advancing care and access for children, adolescents, and families. Throughout the conference, health care professionals, education leaders, youth, and advocates came together to connect, exchange ideas, and explore actionable strategies to strengthen school-based health care in communities nationwide.

From inspiring keynote sessions to engaging workshops and meaningful networking opportunities, this year’s conference highlighted the innovation, dedication, and shared commitment that drive our field forward. We hope you left feeling energized, inspired, and equipped with new ideas to make an even greater impact in your community.

We were also honored to recognize this year’s National Awardees, whose leadership, service, and commitment reflect the very best of the school-based health care field.

We deeply appreciate each awardee’s work, leadership, and dedication to advancing school-based health care. Their contributions inspire our field and remind us what is possible when communities, students, health professionals, and partners work together.

We celebrate Dr. Lemke’s more than 20 years of leadership in school-based health care, including her work strengthening clinical operations, quality improvement, regulatory oversight, and technical assistance for school health centers. Her dedication has helped advance high-quality care for students and communities.

We recognize Cecilia Sakata for her leadership in expanding and sustaining school-based health centers across rural communities on Hawaiʻi Island. Her work to advance health equity, integrated care, family support systems, and community partnerships is helping build healthier futures for children and families.

We honor Ramon Audelo for his outstanding commitment to mental health support in schools and throughout Kern County. His work connecting stakeholders, expanding access to resources, and guiding clinicians through licensure has made a meaningful impact on students, families, and professionals.

We celebrate Anthony Hopson as a collaborative student leader whose care for others strengthens every team he joins. Through his work with HCIS clinical staff, he supports patient intake, screenings, documentation, and peer learning while modeling maturity, initiative, and compassion.

We recognize the Minnesota School-Based Health Alliance Youth Council for amplifying student voices and ensuring that youth perspectives help shape the future of school-based health care. Their leadership demonstrates the power of young people to create meaningful change in health care.

We honor the La Pine High Youth Action Council for its student-led commitment to community health, youth empowerment, and crisis-support skill building. Their partnership with Deschutes County Public Health shows how youth leadership can strengthen communities.