The stakes for health remain high in 2026 as implementation of H.R. 1 ushers in harmful changes to health and social safety net programs. Foundations are increasingly speaking publicly about the damaging effects of these and other federal actions on the health of communities. This webinar will explore when and how to issue a public statement. Chrystal Okonta, Director of FGS Global’s Health team, will discuss key factors when crafting a public statement such as urgency, mission alignment, and organizational capacity. Kerry Jones Waring, Vice President for Communications at the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York, will share the foundation’s decision process, advice for crafting messages, and managing feedback.
Resources:
GIH Resource: GIH Crisis and Issue Management Playbook for Funders
GIH Resource: Survey Findings: Perceptions of Health Funders
Statement from HFWCNY: Response to President Trump’s 2026 State of the Union Address (Feb. 25, 2026)
Op ed from HFWCNY: Opinion in Syracuse.com: Medicaid work requirements will hurt older adults the most (May 20, 2025)