A Healthier Democracy

?? Major Breakthrough in MS Research! ?? NIH researchers have developed a 4D brain map that reveals how MS-like lesions form, offering potential early warning signs of the disease. This innovative approach could help identify targets for treatments and brain repair, offering hope to millions affected by multiple sclerosis. A key discovery? SERPINE1-expressing astrocytes at vulnerable brain borders, potentially playing a role in both damage and repair. With appropriate NIH funding, this could transform how we understand and treat MS! ?? Nikhil Patel #MultipleSclerosis #Neuroscience #MedicalBreakthrough #NIH

???? Huge congratulations to our intern Yike Zhou for having her article, "Suturing the Benefit Gap," featured by Harvard Kennedy School! ?? ? Her piece highlights the impactful work we do at Link Health to expand access to essential benefits. ?? Read it here! https://lnkd.in/eUfmCj8D

?? Telehealth Lifeline at Risk: Millions Could Lose Access on March 31st ?? Imagine needing to see a doctor—but having no way to get there. For millions of Medicaid patients, telehealth has been a game-changer, providing critical access to care from home. But unless Congress acts, that access could disappear on March 31st. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a crisis in the making. Losing telehealth means: ?? Delayed care for patients in rural or underserved areas ?? Worsening health outcomes for those with chronic conditions ?? Higher emergency room use and costs ?? Barriers for seniors, low-income families, and people with disabilities Medicaid patients rely on telehealth to: ? Access behavioral health and therapy ? Receive follow-ups and preventative care ? Stay connected to providers without missing work or arranging transport This is about health equity, plain and simple. Stripping away telehealth means leaving millions behind—especially the most vulnerable. ?? Take action now: Contact your representatives. Demand they extend Medicaid telehealth coverage. Our communities deserve better. Let’s protect the tools that keep care accessible for all. #ProtectTelehealth #MedicaidMatters #HealthEquity #StopTheCuts #LinkHealth

?? Telehealth Alert! ?? The American Relief Act extended critical Medicare telehealth flexibilities until March 31, 2025, allowing patients to receive non-behavioral health services remotely and making FQHCs & RHCs eligible to serve as distant site providers. However, October 1, 2025 marks the potential telehealth policy cliff—unless Congress acts, these provisions will expire, risking significant disruption for Medicare patients. ??Why does this matter? - During the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth usage among Medicare beneficiaries surged with nearly 47% using telehealth services at the peak. Even by the end of 2022, nearly 15% of beneficiaries were still utilizing these services. - Without continued telehealth flexibilities, beneficiaries may lose access to convenient, remote care, especially in rural areas where healthcare access is limited. - Hospital-at-Home programs and other remote care options could face disruptions, potentially increasing ED visits, hospital admissions, and costs. - >60% of physicians used telehealth in 2022, with most expressing a desire to continue offering it due to its convenience and effectiveness. ?? What can you do? Stay informed, get involved, and advocate for the continuation of telehealth services. Your voice matters! ?? For more info and action steps, visit: telehealth.hhs.gov #Telehealth #MedicarePolicy #HealthcareAccess #Advocacy?

??????Huge congratulations to our Senior Patient Navigator Tulip Jettakun for having her abstract, "Link Health: Bridging the Gap with AI-Driven Solutions for Access to Essential Benefits," accepted at MESH Incubator | Mass General Brigham 2025 in Somerville, MA! ???? Your work is shaping the future of health access!

?? PUBLIC HEALTH UNDER ATTACK – TAKE ACTION NOW! ?? The American Public Health Association (APHA) is calling on YOU to help. The federal government is pushing to slash funding and eliminate critical jobs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These cuts would weaken federal, state, and local health departments, making it harder to prevent outbreaks, contain emerging?health threats, and keep Americans healthy. Our public health workforce is already stretched thin—now is the time to increase support, not strip away resources. Cutting these programs won’t make America healthier; it will leave us vulnerable to future pandemics and other preventable health crises. ?? Take action TODAY! Call, email, or message your members of Congress and urge them to oppose these dangerous cuts to HHS funding and staffing. Our health and safety depend on it! Link to make your voice heard is here: https://lnkd.in/ez2G5asu. ??????? Santosh Nori, MPH #FundPublicHealth #ProtectOurHealth #ActNow

?? Meet Senior Patient Navigator Lentz Lefevre, MSBT MPH whose dedication is making a real impact at Link Health! Lentz has served with Link Health for four cohorts, starting out as an ambassador and now in a leadership role as a Senior Patient Navigator at the Jordan Family Clinic at Legacy Community Health. From guiding patients through enrollment to expanding access to vital benefits, his work changes lives every day. ?? ?? Lentz is studying to become a physician and we know that when he serves his future patients he will be a highly skilled, empathetic leader. Watch his video & join us in celebrating his efforts! ???

?Do abortion bans really lead to healthier outcomes? ? Nope! Several studies have come out showing just how widespread these impacts are. ?? States with abortion restrictions have higher than expected infant mortality, with Black infants being impacted the most. Southern states also have a 3x higher chance of late-term pregnancy loss. One of the contributing factors is that many reproductive workers are leaving these states. ?? There was a 4.2% decrease in OBGYNs in the most restrictive states in recent years. This means people going without healthcare access and more deaths. ?? We can do better. Alexandra K. #abortion #pregnancy #obgyn #abortionrights #reproductiverights #bansoffourbodies #abortionisessential #reproductivefreedom #womensrights

?? Join Our Summer 2025 Patient Navigator Team! ?? We're looking for pre-health, public policy, public health & social work students to gain hands-on experience helping communities access essential benefits! ?? Boston ? Apply by April 10 to start on June 1st → https://lnkd.in/eUiyCqPp

The U.S. is experiencing a significant measles outbreak, with nearly 200 cases reported in West Texas. With 23 hospitalizations and one death in Texas and New Mexico, this marks one of the largest resurgences in recent years. Key impacts of the outbreak: ?? Rapid Spread – Cases primarily affect unvaccinated children, highlighting the risks of declining vaccination rates. ? Vaccine Hesitancy Concerns – Misinformation about vaccine safety continues to fuel preventable disease resurgence. ?? Declining Immunization Rates – Public health officials warn that falling vaccination coverage threatens herd immunity, putting more lives at risk. We cannot ignore this crisis. Vaccination saves lives. Protect your community. ?? #MeaslesOutbreak #VaccinesWork?