National Hispanic Health Foundation Launches NHHF Action Fund to Advance Hispanic Health Policy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New national, nonpartisan advocacy organization will work to improve health care access, address disparities and elevate Hispanic voices in federal and state policymaking

WASHINGTON, Sept. 16, 2026 — The National Hispanic Health Foundation (NHHF) today announced the launch of the National Hispanic Health Foundation Action Fund (NHHFAF), a national, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization dedicated to advancing policies that improve health outcomes for Hispanic and other underserved communities.

NHHFAF will expand NHHF’s longstanding work in leadership, research and education by creating a dedicated platform for public-policy advocacy, civic engagement and coalition building. The Action Fund will engage health professionals, community leaders, policymakers and partners to translate evidence and frontline experience into federal and state policy action.

Its work will focus on:

• Expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care

• Protecting health coverage and reducing barriers to timely care

• Addressing health disparities and the social drivers of health

• Strengthening and diversifying the health and public health workforce

• Advancing chronic disease prevention, research and equitable representation in clinical trials

• Elevating the voices of Hispanic health professionals and communities in policymaking

These priorities reflect NHHFAF’s established policy agenda and organizational purpose.

“The launch of the NHHF Action Fund represents an important expansion of our commitment to improving Hispanic health,” said Elena V. Rios, M.D., MSPH, MACP, Founder and President of the National Hispanic Health Foundation. “NHHF has worked for decades to develop health leaders, support research and strengthen education. The Action Fund gives us a complementary platform to bring that knowledge and experience more directly into the policymaking process.”

NHHFAF launched its advocacy work with an inaugural Capitol Hill Day on September 16, bringing physicians, nurses and other health professionals to Washington to discuss issues affecting Hispanic and underserved communities with congressional offices. Participants brought frontline perspectives to policy conversations involving health coverage, access to care, chronic disease prevention, research and the health care workforce.

“Too often, major health policy decisions are made without sufficient input from the Hispanic health professionals and communities most affected by them,” said Andres Ramirez, President of the NHHF Action Fund. “NHHFAF will help close that gap by bringing credible evidence, professional expertise and community experience directly to policymakers. Our goal is to turn Hispanic health priorities into meaningful policy action.”

NHHFAF will work with stakeholders across the political spectrum and will evaluate policies based on their potential to improve health, expand opportunity and strengthen communities. As a nonpartisan organization, its advocacy will be guided by evidence, its social welfare mission and the experiences of Hispanic and underserved communities—not allegiance to any political party.

The Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) advocacy partner of NHHF, a separate 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The two organizations will pursue complementary approaches to improving Hispanic health while remaining legally, financially, and operationally distinct.

About NHHF

The National Hispanic Health Foundation advances health equity by strengthening leadership, research, and education to support culturally responsive health professionals and improve care for Hispanic and underserved communities. NHHF’s work includes scholarships, leadership development, health-workforce initiatives, research mentorship, and partnerships with health professionals and institutions nationwide.

About NHHFAF

The National Hispanic Health Foundation Action Fund is a national, nonpartisan 501(c)(4) advocacy organization advancing federal and state policy solutions that improve health outcomes for Hispanic and other underserved communities. NHHFAF engages health professionals, community leaders, policymakers, and partners to expand access to quality care, address health disparities, strengthen the health workforce, and ensure that Hispanic communities have a meaningful voice in health policy.

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