01.11.2022 / Media Advisory
JUST ANNOUNCED: Speaker Pelosi added to Families USA Health Action Conference lineup
Speakers, panelists at two-day event will address intersection between health, racial justice
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Families USA announced today that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has been added to its lineup for the 27th annual Health Action Conference. This year’s conference, organized around a theme of Health Justice Now, is being held virtually January 25-26.
The conference’s focal point will be helping participants from across the country – largely advocates from the national, state, and local levels – mobilize around shared efforts to make sure everyone can get better health care and live healthier lives regardless of the color of their skin, what language they speak or how much money they make. Attendees will participate in various sessions and workshops to help them work towards profound policy changes in 2022 and beyond.
A staunch health care champion, Pelosi spearheaded the passage of the historic Affordable Care Act. Since then she has worked to protect and improve the law, and strengthen coverage for the American people. Throughout her career, Pelosi has fought for lower prescription drug prices, reproductive rights, and more affordable care for everyone.
WHAT: Families USA’s 2022 Health Action Conference, Health Justice Now
WHEN: January 25-26 (1:00 – 5:00 pm ET each day)
MEDIA REGISTRATION*:
Reporters interested in covering the conference should register here and use the code MEDIA22. Since the event is virtual this year, there is no on-site or day of access for media or general attendees. Registration will close to everyone on Friday, January 21.
*Media registration includes access to all sessions except for those listed as “closed to the press.”
If you have questions or want to interview speakers, please contact Lisa Holland, lholland@familiesusa.org, 202-695-5160.
CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:
See below for an overview of key speakers and sessions. Click here to view the current agenda,
which is still being finalized and is subject to change. New speakers and sessions will be added as they are confirmed, so please check the agenda regularly.
Tuesday, January 25
Opening Remarks (1:30 – 1:45pm ET)
Speaker – TBA (1:45 – 2:00pm ET)
General Session – Stories of Struggle and Hope in the Fight for Health and Racial Justice
(2:00 – 2:30 pm ET)
In the wake of an unprecedented pandemic and a renewed reckoning with racial injustice, 2021 ushered in monumental policy progress at the state and federal levels – such as reinvesting community resources from policing to healthy communities, declaring racism a public health crisis, and expanding critical safety net programs in ways that were previously declared impossible. As regulatory flexibilities around telemedicine, eviction moratoriums, and other programs sunset in efforts to establish a “new normal,” we must keep the spotlight on the intersections of health and racial justice to ensure continued momentum and progress. In preparing for the challenges ahead, leaders who have been fighting on the front lines of health and racial justice will share perspectives on key questions central to our movement, including:
- What can health advocates learn from racial justice movements?
- How can we harness the power of our communities to ensure that our voices are truly valued and incorporated into a just pandemic recovery?
- How can we maintain our momentum and grow our power in the face of continued injustice and burnout?
Speakers:
- Monica Simpson, SisterSong
- Juliet Choi, Asian & Pacific Islander American Health Forum
- Sidney Betancourt, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Workshops/Session 1 (2:45 – 3:30pm ET)
Workshops/Session 2 (3:45 – 4:30pm ET)
4:40 – 5:00 pm ET:
- Health Justice Advocate Of The Year – Recognition of 2022 award winner Dr. Laura Guerra-Cardus, Deputy Director of Children’s Defense Fund – Texas
- Speaker – TBA
- Closing Remarks
Wednesday, January 26
Opening Remarks (1:30 – 1:45 pm ET)
General Session – View From DC (1:45 – 2:30 pm ET)
The American Rescue Plan and, if enacted, the Build Back Better Act will together represent significant progress for millions of America’s families to improve their health and health coverage in a way that centers health equity. Congress’s work reflects legislation that stands to meet the diverse needs of America’s families in this critical moment in history, putting equity into action and prioritizing major health reforms to improve coverage and affordability. So where do we go from here? This session will feature inspirational federal lawmakers working to advance health and health equity through policies that address access to health coverage and care, maternal and reproductive health, and social drivers of health. This discussion will help reinvigorate advocates in their fight for health justice in 2022, and to better understand how to advance federal policy related to health and health equity, even with a contentious election cycle looming overhead.
Confirmed Speakers (more are scheduled to be announced)
- Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi
- Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07)
Workshops/Session 1 (2:45 – 3:30pm ET)
Workshops/Session 2 (3:45 – 4:30pm ET)
4:40 – 5:00 pm ET:
- Keynote Speaker – TBA
- Closing Remarks