At NatCon 2026, Connections Health Solutions had a strong presence — participating in a record number of sessions and contributing meaningful thought leadership to national conversations on crisis care. This level of engagement reflects both the depth of expertise within our team and the growing role Connections plays in shaping how crisis systems are designed and implemented across the country.

We asked our experts to share their key insights from NatCon 2026—here’s what they had to say.

Advancing Crisis Care: A Field Growing in Complexity and Maturity

Dr. Margie Balfour, Senior Policy Advisor

Dr. Margie Balfour highlighted how far the field has progressed—and where it is headed next. Drawing on discussions from the Medical Directors Institute and the Crisis Summit, she emphasized the increasing complexity of crisis care, with national conversations focused on policy impacts, AI, and the growing expectations around quality, safety, and real-time information sharing. She also noted the importance of forthcoming guidance to help providers navigate new information-sharing regulations designed to prevent information blocking—an essential consideration for 24/7 crisis services that rely on timely access to patient data.

“Crisis care has entered a new phase—one where the focus is no longer on awareness, but on solving complex, system-level challenges with better coordination, data access, and quality standards.” — Dr. Margie Balfour, Senior Policy Advisor

Dr. Balfour also reflected on the evolution of the Crisis Summit itself, noting its shift from introductory education to highly interactive, problem-solving workshops—demonstrating the maturity and collaboration now defining the field.

Building and Scaling Sustainable Crisis Systems

Chris Santarsiero, Vice President, Government Relations

Tom Fuller, Director, Corporate Development

Chris Santarsiero reinforced this momentum, highlighting the growing interest from state and local partners seeking Connections’ support in building and strengthening their crisis systems. He shared that across conversations at NatCon, there was clear recognition of Connections’ growth and success in new markets, along with a strong demand for our expertise in helping communities stand up sustainable, high-quality crisis care models.

“Across the country, there’s clear demand for partners who don’t just understand crisis care—but know how to solve the problem communities face with overcrowded emergency rooms and jails. That’s where Connections continues to lead.” — Chris Santarsiero, Vice President, Government Relations

This increasing interest reflects a broader shift in the field: states and communities are moving beyond early-stage exploration and are actively seeking proven partners to design, finance, and operationalize crisis systems that work in practice.

Building on this, Tom’s perspective reinforced what differentiates Connections in the market: a demonstrated ability to deliver crisis systems that create value across the entire ecosystem—improving outcomes for individuals while also supporting payors and providers. This was evident throughout Connections’ sessions at NatCon, including a standing-room-only discussion with more than 300 community providers, legislators, and payors focused on how to build financially sustainable crisis systems that can endure over time and meaningfully impact both healthcare and justice systems.

“Crisis systems, when built the right way, aren’t just a service—they’re a foundational solution. They create better outcomes for people, reduce strain on healthcare and justice systems, and establish a sustainable model for communities long-term.” — Tom Fuller, Director, Corporate Development

Together, these perspectives make one thing clear: crisis care is evolving rapidly, and Connections is playing a central role in advancing solutions that are practical, scalable, and designed to deliver lasting impact.

We are already looking forward to next year’s NatCon in New Orleans!