Our progress toward securing or increasing F2F funding is well underway, and we are seeing successes. As Brooke has shared with the network, a bill was introduced in the Energy and Commerce Committee by Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ) and Monica De La Cruz (R-TX). While the bill was introduced at previous funding levels, conversations are positive to mark up the bill to double the funding for F2Fs.
You can support these efforts by continuing to share the work of your F2F not only with your state legislators but also with other organizations who have connections to your legislator and can sing the praises of F2Fs on your behalf. Brooke continues to hold weekly office hours to help you plan meetings with potential partners and champions.
In addition to our efforts on the F2F reauthorization, we are also addressing the continued effects of the Medicaid Unwinding. We know families of CYSHCN are affected by the loss of Medicaid right now. As the Medicaid unwinding continues, Family Voices is developing and sharing resources to help you guide families through the process of keeping or reinstating their Medicaid coverage. You can access these resources at www.familyvoices.org/unwinding.
This month is also Black History Month. Our work in the area of health equity compels us to continue to reflect on the history and experiences of marginalized populations and work to ensure their voices are part of the work to improve the lives of all CYSHCN. Our Family Voices United (FamU) project continues to add resources that can support your organization’s antiracism efforts. You can explore the resources at www.familyvoices.org/famu.
Encourage confidence to act