By: Lindsay Marcal, Director, Membership

The National Health Council (NHC) unites nearly 200 national organizations—including leading patient groups, research institutions, providers, caregivers, and businesses across the health care sector—to drive patient-centered health policy. Together, we provide a united voice for the more than 200 million people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their family caregivers.  

I use the word “together” on purpose. Our member community drives the NHC’s work toward a shared vision: a society in which all people have access to quality, affordable health care that respects personal goals and aspirations to promote their best possible health outcomes.  

NHC membership offers opportunities to advance that vision while strengthening your own organization. Through our Government Relations Action Team, affinity groups, and signature convenings, you can connect with peers and experts, exchange insights, collaborate on advocacy, and build leadership skills:   

• • Government Relations Action Team (GRAT): Monthly meetings on critical and timely policy issues—from updates on congressional and regulatory activity to support navigating H.R. 1 implementation—often featuring guest speakers and opportunities for members to share both opportunities and challenges.
  • Affinity Groups: Networking, discussion, and professional development for leaders across roles, including CEOs, CFOs, scientific officers, communications professionals, event professionals, and more, and interest areas such as AI and health equity. These groups offer information, ideas, and meaningful peer support with a patient-focused perspective. 
  • Signature Convenings: The Health Leadership Conference, Science of Patient Engagement Summit, Washington Representatives Meetings, and Annual Membership Meeting & Luncheon bring the community together to share ideas, build relationships, and drive progress.  

Those connections continue between meetings and events through, NHC Connect, our growing members-only online community. You can access information to support your work and collaborate directly with other members in communities focused on AI, Finance, Health Equity, Policy, and Programs and Patient Engagement. 

Your membership also amplifies your organization’s impact and visibility. Members can: 

• • Share their work in the NHC Insider newsletter or the Putting Patients First blog 
  • Promote open positions through the NHC Job Bank 
  • Suggest content for NHC social media and other communications

When your work brings you to Washington, DC, membership offers practical benefits, too: You can reserve conference rooms at the NHC’s offices and access NHC corporate hotel rates at seven nearby hotels. 
 
Your continued membership helps sustain this community and drive meaningful progress for patients in 2027 and beyond. Renew your membership today to stay connected and help shape a more equitable, patient-centered health system. 

If you have questions about membership benefits or want to schedule a team overview for members of your staff, contact us at membership@nhcouncil.org. We look forward to continuing our partnership in the year ahead.