As the country faces a wave of proposed Medicaid cuts, voices across the health justice movement are rising in defense of care, equity, and human dignity. These decisions do not exist in a vacuum—they carry real consequences for families, hospitals, providers, and communities. At the Rx Foundation, we believe it’s vital for leaders in philanthropy to speak out clearly about what’s at stake.
Below is a statement from Rx Foundation’s Jennie Riley, calling on the philanthropic sector to move beyond neutrality and stand with those most impacted.
A Call to Philanthropy & Highlighting Work on the Ground
“These Medicaid cuts are a direct threat to the health and well-being of millions who are insured through their state Medicaid program, and they will drain resources from already overburdened hospitals and health systems that every single one of us relies on. The damage from these Medicaid cuts will be measured in missed treatments, rising disparities, longer wait times and longer distances to an open hospital, and unnecessary suffering.
For those of us in philanthropy and public leadership, neutrality is not an option.
We must speak up. Philanthropy has voice, visibility, and influence—and in moments like this, we must use them. Now is the time to raise our voices and invest our power where it matters most. Our work cannot stop at funding programs; we must be active in calling out structural injustice, standing with impacted communities, and shaping the conditions that make health possible.
Across the country, community organizations are stepping up where systems fall short.
At Rx, we are proud to support partners across a dozen states who are working tirelessly to meet immediate needs, to hold those in power accountable to the people, and to work collectively toward long-term change. Their leadership reminds us that health equity is not just a value—it’s a practice. It’s evident in rural clinics, at the doors of statehouses, and in the homes of families who rely on Medicaid to live with dignity.
We must stand with them, in words and in action. Because health justice isn’t something we wish for—it’s something we build, together.”
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We share this message as part of our Influencers for Good strategy—an invitation to lift up bold, values-driven leadership in pursuit of health justice. If this resonates with your community or your work, we invite you to share Jennie’s words and to raise your voice alongside ours.
Health is a collective responsibility—and protecting it must be our shared mission.
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