State of Reform made it’s first-ever appearance in North Texas yesterday attracting more than 300 attendees to its Health Policy Conference at the Irving Convention Center.

The day-long event convened leaders from across 12 different silos including health plans, hospitals, provider groups, state agency leaders, elected officials, mental health, pharma, health IT, professional services, HR/employee benefits, public health, and local government. The idea was to bring together perspectives and opinions from across the broadest scope of Texas’ healthcare sector.

The conference opened with one-on-one conversations with Dr. Fred Cerise, CEO of Parkland health & Hospital System; Fred Schuster, regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins.

An afternoon panel detailing “The Future of Texas Health Care” included Senator Nathan Johnson; Charles Smith, the former commissioner of Texas Health and Human Services; and Christian Puff, an attorney at Hall Render. DFW Hospital Council (DFWHC) President/CEO W. Stephen Love served as moderator.

DJ Wilson, president/CEO of State of Reform served as host throughout the day.

DFWHC was a sponsor of the event, with a convening panel including Love; Joel Ballew, vice president government and community affairs, Texas Health Resources; Larry James, CEO of City Square; Ken Malcomson, president/CEO of the North Dallas Chamber of Commerce; Frank McStay, senior policy advisor of Baylor Scott & White Health; and Cristal Retana, manager of community and government relations at Children’s Health.

More than 20 educational sessions were held with 60 speakers participating.