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Download the article PDF: Momentum Matters
March has always felt like a turning point to me. The energy of the new year settles into steady motion, plans become real work, and the direction ahead starts to feel clear. For Urgent Care, that sense of momentum is especially strong right now.
In February, leaders from across our field came together in Washington, D.C., for the Urgent Care Association Capitol Hill Advocacy Day. Those few days captured something important about who we are as an industry. When Urgent Care speaks with confidence, preparation, and unity, people listen. We met with lawmakers and policy leaders to share what happens every day in our centers across the country. We talked about families who find care when other doors are closed, employees who get back to work faster, and communities that depend on us for timely, reliable access. We discussed real challenges around workforce needs, fair reimbursement, and sensible regulations.
Most of all, we delivered a simple, consistent message: Urgent Care is essential to everyday healthcare.
Advocacy can sometimes sound like a distant concept, but in Washington, it felt very personal. It was about protecting a model of care that serves millions of people every year. It was about making sure decision makers understand our value and our impact. And it was about showing that Urgent Care has a constructive, practical voice at the table. I want to personally thank every member who traveled to Washington and represented our field so professionally.
Stay Connected And Thrive
The conversations in Washington reminded me of something I see over and over. This industry thrives when we stay connected to one another. None of us is stronger on our own. The challenges we face are shared, and the solutions are better when they are built together. That is why the upcoming 2026 Urgent Care Convention is so important. From April 11-14 at the Historic Hilton Chicago, our community will come together for what I truly believe is the most meaningful gathering in Urgent Care.
This event is far more than an educational meeting. It is where relationships form, ideas take shape, and honest conversations happen about the realities we all face. The sessions will cover practical topics like reimbursement trends, workforce strategies, clinical quality, technology, and policy updates. Just as valuable are the hallway discussions, the shared experiences, and the chance to learn directly from peers who understand your world. In a complex healthcare environment, showing up matters. Being part of the conversation matters. When we learn together and challenge each other, we raise the standard for the entire field.
As we move further into 2026, our priorities remain steady and clear. We will continue to strengthen advocacy efforts. We will keep proving the value of Urgent Care through data and outcomes. We will deepen member engagement and collaboration. And we will focus on the long-term sustainability and growth of this remarkable care model.
I continue to be inspired by what I see across this field. The compassion in exam rooms, the dedication at front desks, the innovation in operations, and the leadership in boardrooms all remind me why Urgent Care plays such a vital role in American healthcare.
Thank you for the work you do every day. It makes a difference in ways that are both seen and unseen. I look forward to building on this momentum together and to seeing many of you in Chicago next month.