Community Catalyst

What does the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) actually do... and why does it matter that the Trump administration is going after it? Here’s what you need to know:? ? ?? FIRST: The CFPB was born after the 2008 recession when Wall Street greed crushed millions of families. Since then, it's been the only shield standing between greedy corporations and our wallets. ?? ? ?? THEN: In early January, the CFPB had finalized a rule that would prevent all medical debt from appearing on credit reports, effective this month. That rule and the CFPB are currently under threat.?? ? ?? NOW: In a hearing today, lawmakers are considering taking steps to effectively weaken the CFPB’s ability to protect families and individuals against corporate greed. This also includes actions to overturn January’s rule — taking aim at everyday people’s economic well-being.? ? What does this mean for us? Without the CFPB:? ?? Credit scores could plummet due to medical bills you couldn't afford simply because you got sick and needed care? ?? Predatory lenders could trap you in cycles of debt with hidden fees? ?? Getting approved for a mortgage, car loan, or even renting an apartment becomes nearly impossible when medical debt shows up on your credit report? ? Make no mistake: dismantling the CFPB isn't about "efficiency"—it's about letting corporate interests override your financial security.? ? Join us in demanding action. ? ?? Learn more about our campaign >> https://lnkd.in/eXDgkXaM ??? Sign the petition: Urge Congress to protect the CFPB and preserve these essential medical debt protections >> https://commcat.io/43s7SBN?? ?? Reshare this post with your network so we can reach more people!??

STATEMENT: Dr. Oz's confirmation hearing to lead The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) confirms what we've known all along: He is a grave threat to public health and the economic stability of millions.?? ? During his confirmation hearing, he revealed troubling positions that would directly impact public health outcomes:? ? ?? Dr. Oz refused to answer if he would oppose cuts to Medicaid. Any cuts to Medicaid would devastate preventive services, maternal health programs, and behavioral health initiatives that are proven to improve health care outcomes.?? ?? Dr. Oz confused Medicare and Medicaid in multiple instances, raising serious concerns about his ability to coordinate these programs that are essential for preventive care, chronic disease management, and reducing health inequities for millions of older adults and dually-eligible individuals.?? ? As health advocates, we know that strong, well-funded public health infrastructure through CMS programs directly correlates with fewer preventable deaths, better health outcomes, and narrowed health equity gaps. ? Leadership matters. Policy expertise matters. Understanding the interconnected nature of our public health systems matters.?We urge the Senate to oppose this nomination.??Read our statement >> https://commcat.io/4hEYKNv

In my latest blog post, I confront the harsh realities surrounding crossroads. By the end of this year, nearly 130,000 #publichealth professionals are expected to leave their roles due to burnout, underfunding, and feeling undervalued; all while 41% report experiencing harassment, and 59% feel their expertise is undermined, particularly among Black, Hispanic, and immigrant professionals who face targeted abuse. The erasure of #DEI from our academic and medical research isn't just about funding—it signifies the intentional suppression of life-saving knowledge. A recent report highlights that health #inequities cost the U.S. healthcare system approximately $320 billion annually, with projections soaring to over $1 trillion by 2040 if left unaddressed. This is a value proposition; a wasteful choice where we are spending far more on perpetuating inequities than it would cost to end homelessness or poverty. It’s nothing short of fraud to allow such inefficiencies. The regressive policies we are seeing are political, and we cannot stand by idly while this happens. Above all else, #healthcare is bound by the principle to “do no harm.” Standing by in silence is not neutral—it actively contributes to the harm experienced by patients and communities. Inequities lead to shameful outcomes, costing 74,000 #BlackLives each year in the U.S. Can we collectively acknowledge one imperative: healthcare’s mission includes advocating against injustice! Read below and support organizations like Community Catalyst in never stopping until every community has what it needs to be healthy! Because Ignoring DEI Isn't Neutral - It's Actively Harming Patient Care! https://lnkd.in/eGKA6F55

The rollback of DEI initiatives in health care isn't just a policy shift—it directly threatens patient outcomes and health care stability. Black, Hispanic, and rural communities already face higher medical debt and worse health outcomes—gaps that DEI initiatives are specifically designed to address. When these programs are dismantled, our health care system becomes less responsive to community needs, resulting in more untreated conditions, preventable ER visits, and financial instability for thousands of families.?? ? Opponents claim DEI creates unnecessary bureaucracy, but the evidence tells a different story. Specific interventions like patient navigators and culturally competent care models yield measurable results. When patients feel understood by their providers, they're more likely to manage chronic conditions effectively, seek preventive care, and adhere to treatment plans. Hospitals implementing these approaches see higher patient satisfaction, fewer costly emergency visits, and reduced readmissions.? ? In practice, this looks like rural hospitals maintaining adequate staffing instead of closing, Black and Hispanic patients receiving timely pain management and appropriate specialist referrals, and patients with language barriers experiencing fewer medication errors.? ? “This is a defining moment. Health systems, policymakers, and funders must not retreat—they must double down on evidence-based DEI initiatives that strengthen workforce diversity, fund health equity research, and ensure patient-centered care,” writes Community Catalyst's Co-Interim President & CEO Brandon G. Wilson, DrPH, MHA in a new blog >> https://commcat.io/4j0LCU6?? ? We must recognize that DEI isn't about politics—it's about providing quality care to all patients regardless of who they are or where they live.?

Five years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, roughly 18 million people in the U.S. are living with Long COVID – and have no clear pathway for recovery. ?? Many are facing life-altering symptoms – unable to continue lifelong hobbies, struggling to spend time with loved ones, and forced to put their career on hold. ?? While the federal government continues to gut public health initiatives, we know now more than ever that the only way forward is to invest in our communities. ?? To create a public health system that truly works for us all, we need to meaningfully engage with community-based organizations and ensure that the voices of communities harmed the most are at the center of public health solutions.? ?? Public health professionals and health advocates: How has Long COVID impacted your communities? What kind of support do your communities need to manage Long COVID??? ?? ?? Read more from Will Stone in NPR: https://bit.ly/4kKAvjT?? ?? ?? Check out our Long COVID report, which centers perspectives and solutions from Black and Latinx communities: https://commcat.io/3IxzZnr??

Today marks 15 years since the Affordable Care Act fundamentally transformed the health care landscape in our country. For health care advocates, this should be a moment of celebration—but instead, we're facing an unprecedented challenge.? ? We’re all familiar with the old Republican "repeal and replace" strategy. It was loud and public. But now, the approach has shifted. Republicans are no longer publicly advertising their repeal attempts. Instead, they are introducing multiple policy changes that are flying under the radar and ultimately threaten to take health care away from millions of people.?? ? From slashing $880 billion from Medicaid to restricting enrollment periods and reinstating the family glitch, this is an entire attempt to dismantle our health care system while at the same time giving tax breaks and padding the pockets of billionaires.?The threats are less visible but equally dangerous.? ? As we mark this critical anniversary, Mona Shah and Colin Reusch outline six threats to the ACA health care advocates should be aware of. Swipe through to learn more and click here to read the full blog >> https://commcat.io/4hEVCS4

Go check out the National Partnership for Dental Therapy new LinkedIn page!

?? We listened. Our vaccine listening session with Community Catalyst brought together 32 participants for real conversations—no teaching, just hearing their voices.? ??? Dinner served? ?? Child care on-site? ?? Insights coming soon! #HealthEquity #ListeningMatters #CommunityFirst —------ ?? Escuchamos. Nuestra sesión de escucha sobre la vacuna con Community Catalyst reunió a 32 participantes para conversaciones reales—sin clases, solo escuchando sus voces.? ??? Cena servida? ?? Cuidado infantil en el lugar ?? ?Pronto compartirémos los resultados! @Community Catalyst

Medicaid funds health care for nearly half of all births, two-thirds of nursing home residents, and millions of people with disabilities.? Despite this, Congress is pushing deep cuts to Medicaid to pay for tax breaks for billionaires and greedy corporations. Read our new opinion piece in the The Kansas City Star co-authored by Community Catalyst’s co-president and CEO Brandon G. Wilson, DrPH, MHA and Dorian Warren, co-president of Community Change on why Medicaid is so critical in Missouri, Kansas, and the entire country. https://lnkd.in/g5TDWDde

Last month, President Trump disbanded the Health and Human Services’ Advisory Committee on Long COVID. This decision comes despite millions of people continuing to suffer from debilitating Long COVID symptoms. As our federal government continues to gut public health funding and disinvest in the health of our communities, the question before us is clear: Will we continue down this path of disinvestment and denial, or will we take action to create a public health system that works for all of us? Read more in our latest blog >> https://lnkd.in/eryC72Nh #NationalLongCOVIDAwarenessDay