Event Start/Stop Date and Time
October 4, 2026 1:00 PM - October 6, 2026 3:30 PM EDT
Check-in Date and Time
- Preconference: HINE
October 4, 2026 1:00 PM EDT - Preconference: Resources for Resilience
October 4, 2026 1:00 PM EDT - Monday & Tuesday (Oct. 5-6)
October 5, 2026 8:30 AM EDT - Monday ONLY (Oct. 5)
October 5, 2026 8:30 AM EDT - Tuesday ONLY (Oct. 6)
October 6, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Location
Appalachian State University
1179 State Farm Road, Suite 432, ASU Box 32071
Boone, NC, 28608
Target Audience
Physicians, nurses, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral health professionals, psychologists, public health professionals and all other health care professionals interested in children and youth with special health care needs. In addition to health care professionals, community members, advocates, caregivers and parents are welcome.
Event Description
The second annual Growing Well Conference will offer inspiration, education, and connection for those working to support children and youth with special health care needs in rural western North Carolina. This year’s theme, “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs,” highlights the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health and social systems. The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by health care providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives. Topics will include: • Medical management of children with complex health conditions • Evidence-based behavioral therapies • Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health • Supporting youth through transitions from school to adulthood including employment and other opportunities Recommended Hotel Information: Holiday Inn Express 1943 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC Book by 9/10/26. Reservations should be made by calling 828-264-2451 and mentioning Growing Well Conference. Mast Farm Inn 2543 Broadstone Rd., Banner Elk, NC Receive a 10% discount on the Best Available Rate (BAR) for October 3 - 6, 2026. Rhode’s Motor Lodge 1377 Blowing Rock Rd., Boone, NC Receive a 15% discount on the Best Available Rate (BAR) for October 3 - 6, 2026. Community Members and Families Scholarships for North Carolina families and people with lived experience are available. If you are interested in receiving a scholarship, please email Diane Coffey at coffeyd68@gmail.com. • Select the “Register” button located under the event title. • Sign in using your NC AHEC login credentials (Your preferred email address and password). • If you do not have an existing NC AHEC account, you will need to create one using your preferred email address by clicking “Create account” link on the sign in page and complete the steps to set one up. Re-enter the link to the event and complete all required parts of the electronic registration form. • You will receive a confirmation via email. Save this receipt as your proof of registration. • IMPORTANT: Verify your contact information is current by clicking your name in the upper right-hand corner of the page (your dashboard will open) and going to the “Profile” section. Click on “Contact Information”. Be sure we have an up-to-date email address. • For assistance with creating a NC AHEC account, activity registration and/or receiving certificate, contact Samantha Garvens at Samantha.Garvens@Advocatehealth.org. Speech-Language Pathologists: Northwest AHEC will issue Certificates of Completion only; the participant must self-track and record the certificate for ASHA Certification documentation. Occupational Therapists/Assistants: As of July 1, 2018, the NCBOT no longer accepts applications for pre-approval of CCAs. OT practitioners need to make sure they are completing activities that comply with Section .0800 of the NCBOT Rules. 14.0 CCAs. (if attending preconference + full conference).
Objectives
- Describe current evidence-based practices for developmental screening (e.g., HINE), behavioral health integration, care coordination, and transition planning for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN).
- Apply strategies to coordinate care across healthcare, education, and community systems, including effective use of Medicaid services (e.g., Tailored Plans, 1915(i)).
- Demonstrate approaches to engaging families and caregivers as partners in care, incorporating family-centered and culturally responsive practices.
- Implement practical strategies to improve access to services and reduce disparities for CYSHCN in rural and underserved communities.
- Integrate interdisciplinary communication and collaboration techniques into their own practice to improve continuity of care.
- Develop individualized transition plans that support youth with special health care needs as they move from pediatric to adult systems of care.
Session Credits
Credit will be awarded based on participant selection at time of registration. Before selecting credits, participants are encouraged to review our Credit Glossary (opens in new tab) for general information. Please note that not all credit types are available for every program.
Session Details
Preconference: HINE
October 4, 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Check-in: October 4, 2026 1:00 PM EDT
Available Credits:
-
• 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours
Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
-
• 4 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours
Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 4 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
-
• 4 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
4.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
-
• 4 CHES - CECH Hours
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
-
• 4 NCBPTE Contact Hours
This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 4.0 contact hours.
-
• 4 Nursing Contact Hours
4.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
-
• 0 Certificate of Completion Hours
No professional credit is needed
Session Fees:
- $100.00 - Preconference Registration Fee
Preconference: Resources for Resilience
October 4, 2026 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM EDT
Check-in: October 4, 2026 1:00 PM EDT
Available Credits:
-
• 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours
Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 4.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
-
• 4 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours
Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 4.00 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
-
• 4 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
4.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
-
• 4 CHES - CECH Hours
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
-
• 4 Nursing Contact Hours
4.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
-
• 0 Certificate of Completion Hours
No professional credit is needed
Session Fees:
- $100.00 - Preconference Registration Fee
Monday & Tuesday (Oct. 5-6)
October 5, 2026 9:00 AM - October 6, 2026 3:30 PM EDT
Check-in: October 5, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Available Credits:
-
• 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours
Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 10.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 10 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
-
• 10 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours
Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 10.00 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
-
• 10 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
10.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
-
• 10 CHES - CECH Hours
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
-
• 8 NCBPTE Contact Hours
This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 8.0 contact hours.
-
• 10 Nursing Contact Hours
10.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
-
• 0 Certificate of Completion Hours
No professional credit is needed
Session Fees:
- $200.00 - Early Registration Rate for Oct. 5-6 (expires 8/1/26)
- $250.00 - Regular Registration Rate for Oct. 5-6
Monday ONLY (Oct. 5)
October 5, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EDT
Check-in: October 5, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Available Credits:
-
• 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours
Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
-
• 5 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours
Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 5.00 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
-
• 5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
5.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
-
• 5 CHES - CECH Hours
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
-
• 4 NCBPTE Contact Hours
This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 4.0 contact hours.
-
• 5 Nursing Contact Hours
5.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
-
• 0 Certificate of Completion Hours
No professional credit is needed
Session Fees:
- $200.00 - Monday ONLY (Oct. 5) Registration Fee
Tuesday ONLY (Oct. 6)
October 6, 2026 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM EDT
Check-in: October 6, 2026 8:30 AM EDT
Available Credits:
-
• 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit ™ Hours
Accreditation: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit: The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 CreditsTM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
The Wake Forest University School of Medicine designates this in-person for a maximum of 5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
-
• 5 Contact (category A) CE for NC Psychologists Hours
Northwest AHEC is recognized by the North Carolina Psychology Board as an approved provider of (Category A) Continuing Education for North Carolina Licensed Psychologists. This program will provide 5.00 contact hours of (Category A) continuing education for North Carolina psychologists. No partial credit will be given.
-
• 5 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
5.0 Contact Hours from Northwest AHEC
-
• 5 CHES - CECH Hours
Application for CHES® (entry-level) / MCHES® (advanced-level) Category I continuing education contact hours (CECH) has been made to the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc. (NCHEC).
-
• 4 NCBPTE Contact Hours
This course is approved for physical therapy licensees by virtue of NCBPTE Rule 21 NCAC 48G .0108(c)(8) for 4.0 contact hours.
-
• 5 Nursing Contact Hours
5.0 Nursing Contact Hours. Northwest Area Health Education Center (NW AHEC) is approved as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the North Carolina Nurses Association, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
-
• 0 Certificate of Completion Hours
No professional credit is needed
Session Fees:
- $200.00 - Tuesday ONLY (Oct. 6) Registration Fee
