As both private and public efforts to reform the American health care system continue to move forward, it is clear that health care innovation is key. To help explore this topic in a broader context, the University of Iowa will host a statewide forum in Des Moines Nov. 20 focused on the promise of health care innovation, emerging models, health plans and their markets, and population health tools and strategies.

Rebalancing Health Care in the Heartland, the seventh in an ongoing series of forums designed to support Iowa policymakers in their efforts to improve health care for Iowans, will take place Thursday, Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Des Moines.

This nonpartisan, one-day conference will showcase technological developments; describe acute, mental health, and long-term care models in Iowa; highlight activities underway by Iowa insurers and the two major health systems within the state; and review actions underway to improve the health of Iowans.

“Changes continue to unfold within our health care system that affect the wellbeing of everyone,” says Christopher Atchison, associate dean for public health practice in the College of Public Health and director of the State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa. “The Rebalancing Healthcare conferences have become the place where Iowans come together to reassess how to best support quality health care across the state.”

The event will include featured remarks from Dr. Barbara DeBuono, who also has a Master of Public Health degree and is vice president of market development for 3M Health Information Systems.

DeBuono has led and managed large health care organizations and budgets in government and the private sector during her career as a public health physician, including leadership roles with Pfizer, Inc., the State of New York, the State of Rhode Island, and New York Presbyterian Health System.

Key state policy leaders are also expected to attend the event, including scheduled legislative responses from Iowa State Sen. Joe Bolkcom and David Johnson, and Iowa State Rep. Dave Heaton and Lisa Heddens.

“The University of Iowa, led by its Health Sciences Policy Council, is proud to be the organizer of these discussions,” says Atchison. “As a publicly supported academic institution, the UI is uniquely positioned to provide a nonpartisan forum for the consideration of issues of public interest and concern.”

Registration is $95 for the general public and $45 for students. For more information, contact Shari Heick at 319-335-4455 or shari-heick@uiowa.edu.

Rebalancing Health Care in the Heartland 7 is sponsored by the University of Iowa Health Sciences Colleges, including the College of Dentistry, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Public Health, and Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine; Hardin Library for Health Sciences; State Hygienic Laboratory at the University of Iowa;University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics; Public Policy Center; and the Iowa BioTechnology Association.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all UI-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, contact Heick at 319-335-4455 or shari-heick@uiowa.edu.