Growing Well Conference

The second annual Growing Well Conference will offer inspiration, education, and connection for those working to support children and youth with special health care needs in rural western North Carolina.

This year’s theme, “Moving Mountains for People with Special Health Care Needs,” highlights the resilience, innovation, and collaboration needed to improve outcomes for families navigating complex health and social systems.

The conference features a dynamic mix of individual and group presentations, expert panel discussions, and hands-on demonstrations. Sessions will be led by health care providers, researchers, government leaders, educators, and individuals with lived experience—offering a wide range of perspectives.

Date and Location

October 4 – 6, 2026

Leon Levine Hall of Health Sciences
1179 State Farm Road
Boone, NC 28607

Important Conference Topics

• Medical management of children with complex health conditions
• Evidence-based behavioral therapies
• Cross-system collaboration in child welfare and mental health
• Supporting youth through transitions from school to adulthood including employment and other opportunities

Who Should Attend

• Community members, advocates, caregivers and parents of children with special health care needs.
• Health care professionals who are interested in children and youth with special health care needs.  Continuing education credits offered for: physicians, nurses, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral health professionals, psychologists, public health professionals.