Note from the ACDIS Editor: Harness the power of community with your ACDIS chapter!

by Jess Fluegel

It’s hard to pick my favorite part of the ACDIS conference, but high on the list is getting to walk around the lunch tables on State Networking Day. Last year, I spotted an inflatable cactus wearing a mustache and sombrero, colorful streamers with a “No Adults Allowed” sign, a life-sized alligator, and colorful sports gear—just to name a few! But what I enjoyed most was getting to witness the discussions, friendship, and laughter that encapsulate what I believe ACDIS and all its local chapters and networking groups embody: the strength of community.

Have you joined a local chapter or networking group yet, or attended one of their educational events? Have you considered how community might benefit you?

ACDIS currently has 28 active chapters, including two networking groups for pediatric and CDI educator topics. Each one is led by amazing volunteers from the profession who work with ACDIS to provide educational sessions approved for ACDIS CEUs and a community where CDI professionals in similar regions or interests can connect. You can browse the different chapters on this map to find which one is closest to you and then sign up to receive communications from them about future events and updates.

I also encourage you to submit the form again if you’ve already joined a chapter but haven’t updated your information in a while. Plus, at the end of the form, you’ll receive a discount off ACDIS national membership!

ACDIS chapters also provide CDI professionals with opportunities for career development. If you’ve never presented before, volunteering as a speaker for your local group is a great way to start small and ensure a supportive audience. Or if you are looking to hone your leadership skills, joining the leadership team for your local chapter will help you develop your organizational and project management skills—and gain even more opportunities to connect with CDI professionals outside your organization. Contact your chapter leaders or send me an email at jess.fluegel@hcpro.com to learn more. I know they’d love to have you!

While 28 is a great number, ACDIS is always looking to support CDI communities in more areas of the country (and the world!) as well. If you are interested in helping start up a local chapter or networking group, check out our first-year chapter guide and email the ACDIS team at info@acdis.org to let us know. I would be happy to set up a convenient time with you to chat and review the expectations, requirements, and assistance that ACDIS can offer.

After all, “ACDIS is a community in which CDI professionals share strategies for successful CDI programs and achieve professional growth. Its mission is to bring CDI specialists together.”

While we strive to accomplish this goal through many avenues (the annual conference, the ACDIS Forum, ACDIS committees, and more), your local chapter is a resource that can’t be understated. Get involved and discover the power that community brings!

Editor’s note: Fluegel is an editor with ACDIS. Contact her at jess.fluegel@hcpro.com. Chapter leaders, tell us your plans for State Networking Day at the 2026 conference using this form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/chapterplans26