Thank you to everyone who joined us for August Network News. During today’s meeting, we covered:

• Key Civitas updates, including 2027 membership dues information (please note we will also be sending out a dedicated email from Jolie Ritzo, CEO, Civitas about this in the coming week), federal and state policy developments, program and workgroup activities, member accomplishments, and upcoming events.
• A Civitas 2026 Annual Conference Platinum Sponsor spotlight from InterSystems, highlighting efforts to advance connected, data-driven health care and what they’re looking forward to about the conference.
• A presentation from DirectTrust on its new Artificial Intelligence (AI) Accreditation Program, designed to promote trust, transparency, and accountability in the use of AI across health care.
• An overview of West Health and Gallup’s 2026 Health Care Affordability Research, including findings that show Americans’ ability to afford health care has fallen to a five-year low. Links to related resources include:
  • What is the West Health-Gallup Affordability Index? 2026 Update Video
  • West Health Health Care Affordability Dashboard
  • West Health’s Work on Lowering Health Care Costs

Presentation materials and resources from today’s meeting are now available and can be accessed via the buttons below.