Innovative Persistence in Action: Supporting Sustainable Patient Navigation Across the Continuum
The 2025 American Cancer Society National Navigation Roundtable (ACS NNRT) National Meeting – A Powerful Gathering for Equity and Innovation
The ACS NNRT Steering Committee, Task Group Leads, and Planning Committee were proud to host the 2025 In-Person National Meeting and Strategic Planning Session this past September in Washington, DC. With more than 128 collaborating organizations from the medical, advocacy, government, and corporate sectors, our united membership came together with a shared purpose: to advance patient navigation and health equity.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for this impactful event. Held at the Grand Hyatt Washington from September 17–19, 2025, the meeting brought together national experts, advocates, and thought leaders—all committed to building a sustainable oncology patient navigation model that truly drives equity across the cancer care continuum.
A highlight of the meeting was our keynote address by Dr. Christopher Lathan, Chief Clinical Access Officer at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, who delivered powerful insights on the operational integration and sustainability of oncology navigation. His vision and leadership sparked meaningful dialogue and reaffirmed our shared commitment to creating enduring systems of support for patients.
The meeting also featured a dynamic plenary panel that explored multiple approaches to ensuring navigation sustainability—through policy innovation, practical implementation strategies, and evolving payment models. The session challenged us to think boldly and collaboratively about the future of navigation.
Engaging concurrent sessions provided space for deeper learning and practical takeaways on key topics, including:
- Utilizing technology with purpose to improve navigation reach and efficiency,
- Advancing navigation sustainability beyond billing codes, and
- Connecting clinical and community navigation to transform the patient experience.
A major milestone was the launch of Promising Practices Supporting the Sustainability of Patient Navigation: An Implementation Guide, introduced during an interactive session led by seasoned navigation leaders. This practical resource equips programs nationwide with real-world strategies to build and sustain navigation efforts over time.
Another unforgettable moment was the joint panel hosted by the ACS NNRT and the ACS National Breast Cancer Roundtable, featuring First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, who moderated a powerful discussion on Innovative Persistence: Advancing Breast Cancer Navigation. The session brought national attention to the critical role of navigation in improving outcomes for those impacted by breast cancer and highlighted promising models of care that center equity and compassion.
Our 2025 theme, Innovative Persistence in Action: Supporting Sustainable Patient Navigation Across the Continuum, was brought to life through every session, speaker, and story shared. It underscored our shared resolve to advance equity, scale best practices, and build lasting momentum across the navigation community.
With expert presentations, thought-provoking panels, and countless moments of connection and inspiration, attendees left the meeting energized and united in our mission.
Thank you to all who made this convening such a success. Your voice, your vision, and your impact truly mattered — and together we are making a difference.
