Rural Health Transformation Programs: A Roundtable Discussion

HR1 (or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) empowers states to strengthen rural communities across America by improving access, quality, and outcomes by transforming the healthcare delivery ecosystem. Those are the words of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Join Lexie Bartunek from Washington Community Living Connections (Washington State) for a basic update on what rural transformation means for Community Navigation programs. 

Bring your thinking caps about how you can partner to make this innovative change across the United States impactful for those you serve. We know services are limited in rural areas, and Community Navigation programs should be involved in these transformations as early as possible to support meaningful improvements in their communities.

This Roundtable will be moderated by: Sandra Ray and special guest Lexie Bartunek. 

Lexie Bartunek is the Community Living Connections Program Manager with the Washington State Unit on Aging supporting the statewide Aging and Disability Resource Network. She has 20 years of experience in community navigation, including previous roles as an Information and Assistance Specialist and Community Services Program Coordinator at a local Area Agency on Aging.

Lexie is a certified Community Resource Specialist A/D and earned a degree in Social Sciences from Washington State University. She currently serves as the Inform USA Board Secretary and on the Equity and Access Committee and Certification Commission.

Lexie enjoys developing and delivering trainings and workshops on person-centered practices, self-care, aging and disability services, and supporting family caregivers.

Outside of work, Lexie enjoys reading, spending time at the beach, and snuggling with her fur babies.